The original Oswald Wirth Tarot of 1889 no.1
BB031
Title: “The Arcana Canvas: Artistic Evolution in the Modern Tarot”
The tarot deck, a compendium of symbolic imagery, has long been a source of
fascination, not only for its divinatory use but also for its artistic
expression. The modern era has witnessed a renaissance in tarot art,
transforming the traditional archetypes into a vibrant gallery of contemporary
creativity.
At the heart of this artistic resurgence is the Centre for Tarot Art, a
sanctuary dedicated to the preservation and celebration of tarot as a form of
emblematic art. The Centre, curated by Adam McLean, boasts a
collection that is arguably the most comprehensive of its kind, encompassing
over 2500 items that document the evolution of tarot imagery over the past
half-century.
The tarot’s structured framework of 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana
cards might seem restrictive at first glance. However, this structure has
proven to be a canvas for boundless creativity. Artists have reimagined the tarot in myriad ways,
each deck becoming a unique narrative reflecting the social and cultural
zeitgeist of our times.
One of the Centre’s notable projects is the Art Tarot series, limited
edition decks that are highly sought after by collectors. These decks are not
mere reproductions of traditional tarot motifs; they are reinterpretations that
breathe new life into the cards. For instance, the Phantomwise Tarot by Erin J.
McCauley, with its monochromatic palette and
influences from myth and fairy tales, presents a dreamlike vision that
captivates the observer.
The Centre’s commitment to tarot art extends beyond collection and curation.
It has embarked on an ambitious project to create a descriptive and analytical
database of modern tarot decks, both published and unpublished. This database serves as a testament to the enduring
allure of tarot art and its capacity to evolve and adapt.
In essence, the modern tarot deck has become more than a tool for
divination—it has emerged as a dynamic art form that mirrors the complexities
of the human experience. As we delve into the Centre for Tarot Art’s offerings,
we are reminded that each card is not just a static image but a snapshot of an
ongoing story, inviting us to explore the depths of our collective unconscious.
More
info
https://www.alchemywebsite.com/tarot/art_tarot25.html