By Lee Hyo-won, Ines Min
Staff Reporters
The opening of a special art exhibition is expected to provide warmth and inspiration for a country in mourning.
The largest-ever retrospective of Auguste Rodin marks the belated coming of spring here, said Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon at the opening ceremony for the event at the Seoul Museum of Art, Thursday.
"This meaningful exhibition may console the grief-struck citizens of Seoul," Chung Sye-kyun, chairman of the Democratic Party, said referring to how the entire country was in mourning for 46 sailors who lost their lives in the sinking of the naval vessel Cheonan.
This is the first time several of the fragile works have traveled overseas. A collaborative endeavor with the Paris-based Musee Rodin, the expansive exhibition covers nearly two floors with renowned sculptures never seen outside of France - a few, never outside the French museum.
Dominique Vieville, director of the Musee Rodin, said the exhibition was a true representation of the sculptor's works as a whole. "By organizing this exhibition in Korea, the Musee Rodin fulfills its mission of disseminating internationally Rodin's work with the concern that his knowledge can be shared and enriched."
French Ambassador Elizabeth Laurin added that the exhibition is a reflection of Korea and France's friendly relations.
Yoo Hee-chul, director of the Seoul Museum of Art who initiated the project, said the event will be a special treat for local art aficionados.
Other ceremony attendees included Chang Jae-ku, chairman of the Hankook Ilbo-Korea Times Media Group, a partner of the exhibition; foreign dignitaries; designer Andre Kim; the reigning Miss Korea and runners-up; and Mr World Koreas.
"Korea is seeing an increasing number of mecenats," said National Assembly speaker Kim Hyung-o about corporate support for the arts. "Having organized exhibitions on Van Gogh to Monet, and now Rodin, the Hankook Ilbo group is a leading mecenat."
The exhibition runs through Aug. 22 and is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturday, until 8 p.m. on Sunday and holidays. It is closed Mondays. Visit www.seoulmoa.org. Tickets to the Rodin: Retrospective are 12,000 won for general admission.