News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Steve Christensen
LUMA
312.915.6164
schris6@luc.edu

CHICAGO, April 7, 2009 –

This June, the Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) takes on a decidedly French theme with the opening of Rodin: In His Own Words—Selections from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation and Paris–Chicago: The Photography of Jean-Christophe Ballot – An Architectural Dialogue, both of which open to the public on Saturday, June 13, and close on Sunday, August 16, 2009.

Rodin: In His Own Words—Selections from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation is a traveling exhibition that has toured the United States since 2004, and is now making its final stop at LUMA. The renowned exhibition, organized by the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, brings together 36 of Auguste Rodin’s bronze sculptures, which present a vibrant image of Rodin’s important artistic legacy when paired with his published writings and original letters. The exhibition also includes a 10-part educational program illustrating the lost-wax casting process, four books, two letters, and large canvas photo murals. A film on the creation of Rodin’s masterpiece, The Gates of Hell, will be shown throughout the exhibition.

Although many examples of Rodin’s work exist in Chicago museums, this unique presentation is the first large-scale Rodin exhibition in the city in more than 20 years. Revered and admired by his contemporaries, Rodin’s opinions and views on art were greatly respected and these views were disseminated through several books (written by the artist, as well as by biographers), in interviews, and in countless letters. Presented together in this exhibition, these texts offer rare insights into the great sculptor and his work.

In Paris–Chicago: The Photography of Jean-Christophe Ballot – An Architectural Dialogue, prominent French architectural photographer Jean-Christophe Ballot celebrates the unique relationship between sister cities Chicago and Paris. Concentrating on the formal elements of light, volume, and composition, the artist juxtaposes views of the two cities in a visual dialogue.

In 2006, Jean-Christophe Ballot photographed the city of Chicago during a week-long stay for inclusion in his mid-career retrospective, Urban Landscapes, at Paris’s prestigious museum Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP). Only a few of the Chicago images were displayed there, meaning this exhibition will be the first to show the full range of his Chicago photography. Ballot also includes images of sculpture and interiors of the Rodin Museum in Paris and of his studio in Meudon.

The exhibition is being held in association with the Alliance Française, French Cultural Services in Chicago, the City of Paris – Department of Cultural Affairs,and the Hotel de Ville of Paris, with additional promotional support provided by Paris Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International Program.

Rodin: In His Own Words—Selections from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation and Paris–Chicago: The Photography of Jean-Christophe Ballot – An Architectural Dialogue will be exhibited at the Loyola University Museum of Art (820 N. Michigan Avenue) from June 13 through August 16, 2009. A number of educational programs will be held in conjunction with the exhibitions, and details will be released at a later date. Museum hours are Tuesday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m; Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Admission: $6 general; $5 senior; free for students and children under 14; free Tuesdays. For more information, call 312.915.7600 or visit LUC.edu/luma.

About LUMA
Opened in 2005, the Loyola University Museum of Art is dedicated to exploring, promoting, and understanding art and artistic expression that illuminates the enduring spiritual questions of all cultures and societies. As a museum with an interest in education and educational programming, LUMA reflects the University’s Jesuit mission and is dedicated to helping people of all creeds explore the roots of their faith and spiritual quests. Located at Loyola University Chicago’s Water Tower Campus, the museum occupies the first three floors of the University’s historic Lewis Towers on Chicago’s famous Michigan Avenue. For more information, visit the museum’s website at LUC.edu/luma.

Art illuminating the spirit!

-LUMA-