talented Mr. Ando / 安藤魅力

我喜歡的藝術類型偏於柔性，對於建築我並不特別感興趣，但是這次的京阪神之旅中，安藤忠雄的名字不斷地出現在我的導覽資料中，而我對這傢伙也久聞其名，便想親眼看看他的建築風格，到底有甚麼了不起的地方。

My favorite art genres can be described as the soft and light types. To be honest, I am not particularly interested in architecture. However, on my trip to Kansai, the name Ando Tadao was mentioned again and again in my tour guide information. I had long heard about this man too, so it was a superb opportunity for me to take a look at his works in person and find out why he is so admired.

攝於姬路文學館 / photographed at the literature museum, Himeji

去到姬路文學館之前，我在炎熱的姬路城裡繞到幾乎是眼冒金星，但是不知哪蹦出來的決心，我就是想看安藤的設計，於是我在幾近無人的路上行走，繞進安靜的住宅區，找到了位置隱密的文學館。文學館從外頭看，簡單俐落，沒有花俏的線條和熱鬧的幾何圖形，等我走進館內，第一件事就是坐下來休息，我從休憩區巨大的落地窗望外看，發現安藤並沒有我剛才想的那麼單純，原來外頭淺淺的水池不只是裝飾，隨著微風，水面形成美麗自然的波動，當下的我非常感動，建築物本身要和外在結合才厲害啊！文學館內的展示我看不懂，但是拜訪文學館卻是我認為當天最有收穫的行程。

Before I went to the literature museum in Himeji, I was totally exhausted after a long tour in the vast Himeji castle. I could have left and found a cafe for a break, but I was determined to visit the museum designed by Ando. I walked on, without seeing any other pedestrians on such a hot day. Finally, I found the way to the museum in a quiet neighborhood. Seen from the outside, the design is simple and neat. There are no decorative lines or complicated geometric patterns. The first thing I did after I got in was to sit down. The French window gave me a very good view of the scene outside. It was then that I realized that Ando's design wasn't as simple as I had expected. The shallow pond is more than a decoration. The surface of the water rippled with the breeze. I was so touched at that moment. Heart-moving architecture has to combine the buildings themselves and the exterior environment. I didn't understand a thing about the exhibits in the museum, but the visit was the most rewarding part in my itineraries that day.

攝於Suntory博物館‧大阪 / photographed at Suntory Museum, Osaka

我在五光十色的大阪購物散盡家財後，不，應該是說，當購物已經無法再滿足我之際，我一心想拜訪位於大阪港的Suntory博物館，導覽上說，這是結合海洋和夕陽的設計，聽起來真是誘人。到了現場之後，發現安藤果然用力地運用周遭的優勢，在入口處附近的休息區，便可以遠眺一望無際的港口，甚至是觀賞展覽之餘，也都能欣賞外頭的美景。最後我從建築外層的鏡面，看到了反射的海洋，我終於深切地感受到安藤魅力了。

After I spent all my money shopping in the dazzling Osaka commercial center, or I should say when shopping couldn't satisfy me anymore, I wanted badly to go to Suntory Museum located near Osaka harbor. The tour guide pamphlet says that this is the design that combines the sea and the sunset. How tempting! When I arrived, I did see how Ando made the best use of the advantages of the location. In the rest area near the entrance, the visitors can see the boundless blue water. Even on other floors, we are offered an excellent view of the harbor. In the end, I saw the sea reflected on the mirror windows on the outside of the museum. I finally experienced the amazing talent of Mr. Ando.

我對於建築真的是一竅不通，不過好的藝術品就是要有感動人心的力量，這才是創作最有力的出發點啊！

I know nothing about architecture, but there is a rule that can be applied to good art--the power to move people, whether artists or non-artists!