L'AMOUREUX Tarot
In the world of woodcut art, each piece tells a unique story of history, culture, and age-old traditions. A quintessential example is “L’amoureux Tarot” by Graham Blair, a woodcut artist from Newfoundland, Canada. This work is not just a painting; it’s a part of the history of tarot, a game that originated in the 15th century and was later associated with fortune-telling in the late 18th century.
“L’amoureux Tarot” is a modern rendition of the Lover’s card in the tarot deck, often related to choices in relationships and the harmony between personal values and love to achieve inner balance. Blair has chosen the imagery of three Newfoundland fairies for his play, creatures that occupy the ambiguous space in folk stories, symbolizing uncertainty and often associated with transformation. These fairies are depicted as fully enjoying their ambiguity.
This woodcut is made on handmade Japanese paper measuring 9” x 12”. Through this, Blair not only revives the traditional woodcut technique but also combines it with a special paper material, creating a unique and soulful work of art.
Graham Blair’s “L’amoureux Tarot” stands as a testament to the fusion of traditional and modern art, between folk culture and boundless creativity, delivering a message about the choices and transformations in life that everyone faces.