ASTRE

“Astre,” a fresh perspective on Christmas and the Nativity. Clara Daguin’s immense canvas draws us toward the North Star, which serves as its center. In this work, we see a sky illuminated by constellations revolving around this central star that guided the path of the Magi. This sky, a sort of magical vault, serves as a shelter for the infant Jesus, surrounded by Joseph and Mary.

How can one depict characters who carry within them so many symbols and so much hope? How can one invent a new iconography? Clara Daguin has drawn upon forms that are as historic as they are contemporary. The crossed swaddling clothes of Renaissance paintings, the garments often depicted in such a modest manner, are transfigured by the light of the Christmas miracle. Against a dark blue backdrop, the shapes emerging from the light suddenly bring hope.

The École des Arts Décoratifs and the Church of Saint-Eustache selected this work with a jury composed of their members.