Exploring the mystical, the supernatural, and the esoteric: diving into the realm of tarot card readings
The Warburg Institute in London is hosting an intriguing exhibition titled 'Tarot: Origins & Afterlives', which marks the debut of their public gallery. This exhibition delves into seven mercurial centuries of tarot's history, showcasing the creative flair that artists bring to this captivating medium.
Tarot, originally a courtly card game from 15th-century Italy, has evolved significantly over the centuries. Today, it is used as a guiding force and lighter hobby, finding new life on social media. The exhibition celebrates this creative evolution, highlighting the artists who have interpreted and reimagined tarot's compelling format.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the hand-painted tarot deck from 1909, discovered by Allen, attributed to British artist Austin Osman Spare. This deck, which is on display, shows evidence of being Spare's personal training deck with numerous experiments and boundary-crossing elements. Allen speculates that the deck was Spare's personal training deck, as he never wrote about it.
Another fascinating exhibit is Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris' original tarot paintings, made during the Second World War. These works are richly saturated and have a psychedelic pulse, reflecting the times they were created in.
The 'Tarot: Origins & Afterlives' exhibition also argues that tarot shares more commonalities with its ludic origins as a serious game for mediating complexity and telling alternative stories. In the 21st century, tarot is being used as a tool to model resistance and tell different stories about the contemporary world.
The Warburg Institute, founded 120 years ago to explore the role of images within society, is the perfect setting for this exhibition. The exhibition continues to delve into tarot's history and the artists who have interpreted and reimagined its format.
The exhibition runs until 30 April 2025, and you can find more information on their website at warburg.sas.ac.uk. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the fascinating world of tarot and its impact on art and society.
