Encounter with Roni Horn at the POLA Museum of Art in Hakone

The POLA Museum of Art, embracing the concept of 'coexistence of nature and art in Hakone', opened in September 2002 in the naturally rich Sengokuhara area of Hakone. Experiencing Roni Horn's work at the Samsung Museum of Art Leeum was like seeing water ripple. It felt so delicate that one might hesitate to breathe too close, as if to prevent the essence from spilling over. Yet, that piece was akin to a solidified chunk of amber sugar. The work viewed in Hakone also had a sweetness to it, with a surface reflecting a world of exceptional beauty. The exhibition space, crafted by architect Hideyuki Nakayama, offers a journey through softly lit, curving corridors where glimpses of Monet's paintings emerge, building anticipation before fully encountering the next piece. The museum serves not only as a sanctuary for artworks but also as a place where one can become enchanted by the sight of others deeply engaged with the art.