The Warburg Institute in London hosts an exhibition titled “Tarot: Origins & Afterlives,” showcasing tarot’s evolution from a game in 15th-century Italy to a global phenomenon. Co-curator Bill Sherman emphasises tarot’s connection to Italian Renaissance culture and its transformation over time. The exhibition presents significant tarot decks, including works by Austin Osman Spare and Pamela Colman Smith, tracing tarot’s impact on art and society.

Initially, tarot cards were simply enhancements to playing cards until scholars like Antoine Court de Gébelin recognised their potential connections to ancient texts. This led to a rise in tarot’s mystical associations, particularly with groups like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which influenced modern interpretations and designs. The exhibition also features contemporary artists who engage with tarot’s themes, showcasing its ongoing relevance.

The exhibition displays noteworthy tarot decks: Alliette’s Book of Thoth, Spare’s innovative cards, Rider-Waite-Smith’s famous designs, and Harris’s Thoth tarot creations, indicating the significant roles these artists played in shaping tarot’s visual language. Additionally, contemporary interpretations by artists like Suzanne Treister highlight tarot’s adaptability and connection to contemporary issues, inviting new explorations into its meanings today.

The ongoing popularity of tarot reflects its versatility, with modern interpretations as both a spiritual tool and a social game. The blend of traditional and contemporary influences in tarot, showcased at the Warburg Institute, provides insights into its rich history and evolving nature in contemporary culture.

Tarot cards originated in 15th-century Italy, where they were used as playing cards before gaining mystical significance in the 18th century. Scholars and occultists promoted tarot’s roots in ancient Egyptian texts, transforming it into a framework for divination. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn further influenced the visual styles of tarot decks, which evolved through various cultural contexts, including art movements and secret societies, culminating in contemporary interpretations that continue to engage with social themes.

The “Tarot: Origins & Afterlives” exhibition showcases tarot’s rich history, tracing its transformation from a simple card game into an influential cultural symbol that resonates with contemporary issues. Through significant decks and modern interpretations, the exhibition highlights tarot’s continuing relevance, illustrating its ability to adapt while inviting social engagement and artistic exploration. Tariot remains a versatile cultural artefact that allows for personal and collective reflection.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com

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