Cari Amici (Dear Friends),
During a recent trip to Roma, my painter friend and I visited the Rodin exhibit happening now. Only white marbles by the French sculptor were on exhibit and it was interesting to see them all together in one long ancient room of brick. The curator wanted to show something of the thought processes of the artist. I appreciated the choices here and glad to see ONLY the stone.
It is a problem for me to refrain from touching sculpture, and sometimes even paintings. Sure, I understand about keeping something treasured in a good condition for future generations (hey, with pollution these days, even keeping something lovely for OUR generation is a struggle); but I think that love should be expressed and some of the most beloved sculptures throughout the history of man have worn-down parts from too much touching or the rubbing of fans and believers.
I think part of the solution is to have more people buy the art that moves them, so they may enjoy it as they wish. As a creator, I am thrilled when collectors feel that the art makes a real difference in their lives. More people living with beloved artworks also has the fringe benefit of keeping artists working. [Perhaps part of the problem is that we artists are not inspiring many these days? Thoughts, anyone?]
“Rodin. Il marmo, la vita”
18 febbraio / 25 maggio 2014
Museo Nazionale Romano alle Terme di Diocleziano, Roma
[an easy walk from the Termini train station and Piazza della Repubblica]
Here is one page with more information and images (although the text is in Italian):
http://www.romeguide.it/mostre/rodinilmarmolavita/rodinilmarmolavita.html