The Gardener by Quentin Clemence, Bronze, Edition, 126cm high by 74cm wide by 22cm deep, Women, Garden sculpture

The Gardener by Quentin Clemence is a surreal bronze sculpture measuring 126cm high, 74cm wide, and 22cm deep. The piece shows an abstract woman holding a rake in one hand and a spade in the other. Her head tilts upward, while her long hair flows behind her in three strands. Her mouth opens wide, and her eyes glance slightly to the side, giving her a dramatic expression.

The woman’s body appears elongated and slender, though it does not include legs. This stylisation adds abstraction and shifts the focus to her upper body. Moreover, the flowing lines of her form draw the eye upward, echoing the tilt of her head. At the bottom of the sculpture, a serpent twists its body around the woman. Its form winds tightly, contrasting with the more upright figure.

The serpent’s head faces directly forward, meeting the gaze of the viewer. However, its expression remains mysterious. With closed eyes and a human-like face, it seems both familiar and strange. In this way, the serpent adds an unsettling but fascinating element.

Together, woman and serpent create a surreal scene. The gardening tools suggest earthbound labour. Yet the figure’s dramatic pose and the mythical serpent push the work into dreamlike territory. The bronze medium strengthens this feeling. Its smooth surface enhances the flowing lines, while its darker tones give weight and depth. As a result, the sculpture blends the everyday with the fantastical, balancing labour, myth, and imagination.