The Age of Rodin

Words and pictures by Taichung City Goverment
Translated by Ann Lee

With great anticipation, reverence and excitement, a small group of people carefully unwrapped "The Thinker", the world-famous statue of a seated man deep in thought by the prolific French sculptor Rodin. The group, which included Mayor Jason Hu and his wife; Zhong Bo-nan, Taiwan's representative to France; and Professor Jiang-Xun, stood in awe of The Thinker's perfectly sculpted curves and lines, his sober expression of self-reflection and philosophical exploration.

"It doesn't matter what language we speak, but right at this moment, art is our common way of communication. Rodin's sculpture and manuscripts are the words that we share," Mayor Hu pointed out. And, indeed, residents of central Taiwan will have an opportunity to share in that brilliance and beauty so typical of Rodin's work. From now until December 22, a collection of the master sculptor's works and writings will be on display in Taichung.
Co-hosted by Taichung's Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Contemporary Art Gallery, the exhibition includes 32 bronze pieces as well as 142 pages of Rodin's manuscripts which have never appeared in Taiwan before. One of Rodin's most career-defining works, "The Gates of Hell", will be on display in addition to other famous pieces like "The Kiss" and, of course, "The Thinker". Apart from more than 10 masterpieces from "The Gates of Hell" collection, visitors will also see works from "The Age of Bronze" and "Balzac", which once stood on the streets of Paris.

Although many of the pieces are exact replicas, they are true to Rodin's originals. Project planning supervisor Mr. Shi Li-ren stressed, "'The Kiss is an exact copy of the original; they are showing 25 pieces at the exhibition which were all redone during the same period, so they are really scarce and as authentic as can be."
Exhibition sponsor, Taiwan Cellular Phone Foundation, will provide visitors with a "cellular voicemail guide". Those who are interested in learning more about the exhibition can just dial (09) 3512-0909 to hear Professor Jiang-Xun's specially-selected manuscript recordings and a thorough introduction to 29 pieces in the show. The secretary chairman of Taiwan Cellular Phone Foundation explained that phone calls to the information hot line would be free. Interested patrons just need to purchase a special SIM card (NT$100) at the gallery's help desk that will give unlimited access to the pre-recorded guide. All proceeds from the SIM card rental will be donated to Taichung City's Cultural Foundation for research and promoting future cultural events.

Apart from the actual exhibition, other Rodin events will also take place, including a lecture and a film. "Rodin: The Thinker of Human Values" is the title of a lecture to be presented by Professor Jiang. To register for this free lecture, go online to Taiwan Cellular Phone Foundation's official website and fill out the electronic form. The talk will shed light on the essence, background and history of Rodin, as well as his work.

Besides the lecture, visitors will also get six chances to enjoy the film "Rodin & Camille", a look into the relationship between Rodin and the female sculptor Camille Claudel. Area sculptors will also be giving lectures on the art of sculpting. Family activities, like the "I am Little Rodin" workshop, are also planned.

Other sponsors include large Taiwanese construction companies like Yoji Construction, Chuhofa, Dengyang, and Big Town. With a valid ID, students are welcome to enter the exhibition site free of charge. With number registration proof, all Taiwan GSM/Pan Asia and DongShin cellular phone users will receive a 20% discount on admission. In addition, the exhibition is free for seniors 65 and over. Entrance is NT$50 at the door.

While unwrapping the statue, the group felt like the piece was a gift intended for everyone. Jiang-Xun added, "The Thinker is a prominent work of art that can be seen in major cities all over the world; it is a symbol of human civilization. We hope that in the future, Taichung will also have the opportunity to become a city that reflects the beauty and culture of 'The Thinker' himself."