AAA128: BLACK CATS TAROT
In the world of woodblock printing, each
piece tells a unique story of history, culture, and age-old traditions. A prime
example is “The Black Cats Tarot” by artist Graham Blair from Newfoundland,
Canada. This deck is not just a painting but also a part of the history of
tarot, a game that originated in the 15th century and was later associated with
fortune-telling towards the end of the 18th century.
“The Black Cats Tarot” is a modern rendition
of the Lovers card in the tarot deck, often associated with 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
game, creatures that occupy the ambiguous space in folk tales, symbolizing
uncertainty and often associated with transformation. These fairies are
depicted as fully embracing their ambiguity.
This woodblock print is crafted on handmade
Japanese paper measuring 9” x 12”. Through this, Blair not only revives the
traditional woodblock printing technique but also combines it with a special
paper material, creating a unique and soulful work of art.
“The Black Cats Tarot” by Graham Blair 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 we all face.