The exhibition ‘Tarot: Origins & Afterlives’ at the Warburg Institute explores tarot’s transformation from a 15th-century card game to a symbol entwined with mysticism. Featuring notable artists and highlighting tarot’s relevance amidst renewed public interest in the occult, the exhibition positions tarot as both an art form and a means of storytelling.
Tarot has evolved over seven centuries, beginning as a card game in 15th-century Italy and later intertwining with occult practices by the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, tarot serves as both a leisure activity and a spiritual guide, gaining popularity on social media. The exhibition ‘Tarot: Origins & Afterlives’ at the Warburg Institute in London examines this fascinating evolution.
Founded 120 years ago by Aby Warburg, the Warburg Institute focuses on understanding the impact of images on culture. Bill Sherman, the gallery director, notes Warburg’s interest in images, which he sees as tools for cultural expression. The exhibition features tarot as an example of an image carrier that reflects shifts in society over centuries.
Recently, public fascination with tarot mirrors a broader interest in mysticism and witchcraft, as seen in art exhibitions spotlighting artists like Hilma af Klint and Leonora Carrington. Tarot represents an accessible form of the occult; its affordability and visual nature make it appealing amid rising secularism. Allen states that digital technology has transformed occult practices, making them more democratised.
The exhibition showcases the creativity of tarot artists, including rich works by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris, whose paintings feature vibrant colours. Allen highlights British artist Austin Osman Spare’s innovative hand-painted deck from 1909, showcasing speculative potential as it remains an untold story.
Ultimately, the exhibition seeks to reframe tarot’s connection to ludic origins, positioning it as a tool for exploring complex narratives of contemporary life. This full-circle narrative suggests that tarot now functions as a medium for resistance and storytelling, emphasizing its cultural significance at this moment.
The article discusses the historical evolution of tarot, tracing its journey from a court game to a prominent symbol of mysticism and art. It explores how tarot reflects broader cultural trends and acts as a creative platform for artists. The Warburg Institute’s exhibition serves as a focal point for this discourse, shedding light on tarot’s accessibility and relevance in modern society.
The ‘Tarot: Origins & Afterlives’ exhibition at the Warburg Institute encapsulates tarot’s rich history, interplay with the occult, and its revitalization in modern culture. As a creative and accessible medium, tarot continues to inspire artists and offer insights into contemporary life, establishing itself as a significant cultural artefact.
Original Source: www.wallpaper.com