DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund Presents 'Camille Claudel and Rodin: Fateful Encounter' at the Detroit Institute of Arts

* "Fateful Encounter" is the first U.S. exhibition to feature side-by- side comparisons of the art of Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin * "Fateful Encounter" captures one of the art world's greatest love stories

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 7 -- The love story of artists Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin will take center stage when the Detroit Institute of Art's (DIA) major fall exhibition, "Camille Claudel and Rodin: Fateful Encounter," opens Sunday, Oct. 9, 2005. In its first U.S. appearance, this collection will feature side-by-side comparisons of the art of Camille Claudel (1864-1943) and Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), whose remarkable sculptures helped shape the artistic legacy of turn-of-the-century Paris. The exhibition is sponsored by the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund and runs through Sunday, Feb. 5, 2006.

"Fateful Encounter" captures the personal relationships between Claudel and Rodin and allows American audiences to experience modern and contemporary works from the artists that have never been seen in America. The artists shared a period of passionate, personal and professional relationships from the early 1880s to the late 1890s, during which they inspired and influenced each other's work.

"'Fateful Encounter' is a wonderful collection that tells one of the art world's greatest love stories," said Frank Fountain, DaimlerChrysler Senior Vice President -- External Affairs and Public Policy and President of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund. "DaimlerChrysler is proud to sponsor this stunning exhibition as well as numerous other community programs that encourage appreciation for arts and culture, enhance our quality of life and improve the world around us. 'Fateful Encounter' is the type of collection that will stimulate and inspire creativity in art lovers."

The collection includes 58 sculptures by Rodin and 62 by Claudel -- all which illustrate the exceptional dialogue between the sculptors over the years and how their love was a source of inspiration for both. Rare photographs, drawings and letters provide further personal and artistic context to this fascinating story.

"Camille Claudel and Rodin: Fateful Encounter" is organized into three broad sections: Rodin's and Claudel's art prior to their meeting; work produced during their initially happy, then stormy relationship; and their sculptures after their breakup. The exhibition also highlights some of Rodin's most renowned late masterworks including "Balzac," "The Burghers of Calais" and "The Thinker," through studies in a range of media developed over many years.

"One of the primary goals of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund is to help enrich the cultural needs of our communities," said Fountain. "The 'Fateful Encounter' exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about Claudel's and Rodin's artwork, which had a significant impact on 19th century art."

The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund is the primary source of charitable grants made by DaimlerChrysler Corporation. The Fund annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations with an emphasis on community growth, arts and education, in the United States and increasingly throughout the world.

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