In celebration of the fifth anniversary of Akim Monet Side by Side Gallery and the centenary of Auguste Rodin’s passing in 1917, we are pleased to present in partnership with the Musée Rodin, Paris our 16th exhibition Homage to Rodin, a selection of large photographs by artist and curator Akim Monet, in conversation with four bronze sculptures by Auguste Rodin as well as the iconic sculpture "La Valse" by Camille Claudel.
Rodin, who through his sculptor’s eye, transformed the human body into a vessel of expression, thereby recasting anatomy into emotion, was eager to discover how his work could metamorphose through another art form. Thus he often invited photographers into his studio, the most famous of whom was Edward Steichen. Following in this tradition, Akim Monet presented a spontaneous series of photographs to the Musée Rodin, which resulted in an invitation to produce a body of work at the museum, of which five examples are presented here.
Catherine Chevillot, director of the Musée Rodin, remarks about the present exhibition:
"Splendid! Truly hats off! The space exudes a sense of powerful simplicity. I particularly love the head of "Pierre de Wissant", and the "Scream", very strong images, and the "Fugit Amor", magnificent!"
In the words of artist Akim Monet:
"If the ‘expressionist artist has the desire to express a conception of a turbulent and rebellious world, and share with the viewer brutal and extreme sensations,’ the images that I captured at the Musée Rodin reflect this state of mind; I found in Rodin a timeless echo to my darkest thoughts, but also a resonance to my deep conviction that only redeeming love can save us from ourselves."
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for their unfailing support to Madame Catherine Chevillot, director of the Musée Rodin, Paris; to Mr. Hugues Herpin, chargé de Mission of the moral right of Auguste Rodin; and lastly but not least, to Mr. Jérôme Le Blay, director of the Comité Rodin.
