Clémentine Bedos: The Astrologer-Poet

The Astrologer-Poet is a brass plate bridging decolonial thought, ritual practice, and folk art traditions. Inspired by Silvia Rivera Cusicanqui’s 'On Practices and Discourses of Decolonization', it's etched design depicts the Indigenous Astrologer-Poet, a figure who interprets time-space signs and navigates beyond historical contingencies. Acting as both artwork and tool, the plate embossed 50 bookmarks sold during the opening night of Loving Fugitives, Runaway Images at Van Gogh House in April 2023.

Displayed in Van Gogh’s bedroom alongside 'The Sower', the plate invited dialogue between European and Indigenous wisdom, emphasising shared connections to Earth and celestial rhythms. Part of a Fluxus Art Projects-supported residency, the work also reflected a personal history of folk artistry tied to her father’s antique dealing and her grandmother Jeanne Durand’s “outsider” art, created in isolation. By revealing its imagery only through embossing, the plate embodies transformation, echoing the Astrologer-Poet’s ability to decipher the hidden signs of the universe.

 

Product Information

2023

brass plate

8.7 x 19.5 cm

 

About the Artist

Clémentine Bedos is a French transdisciplinary artist of mixed heritage. With a background in law, philosophy, and fine art, Clémentine explores the entanglement of personal and cultural histories through multi-sensual, site-specific performances.

Recent projects and performances include ‘Loving Fugitives, Runaway Images’ at Van Gogh House (London, 2023); ‘Metamorph’ at VSSL, Goldsmiths CCA (London, 2023), and Eastside Projects (Birmingham, 2024); ‘Burnt Shadow’ at Copperfield Gallery, and Ugly Duck (London, 2023); ‘Your Rage is Sacred (maa)’ at Goldsmiths Sonics Immersive Media Lab (London, 2023), and FormaHQ (London, 2024); ‘hemi-sync of the heart’ at Acall Festival (London, 2023).

Collection and Shipping

This work is part of our 2024 Winter Fundraiser and will be available for collection or shipping from 14th - 20th December. Please note all items will be shipped via Royal Mail Tracked 24 unless stated otherwise.