Viewing Tarot – Origins and Afterlives at Warburg Institute

Continuing the otherworldly theme this week is Tarot – Origins and Afterlives at the Warburg Institute. Jointly curated by Jonathan Allen and Martina Mazzotta, both Associate Fellows at The Warburg Institute, and Bill Sherman, Director of The Warburg Institute, this exhibition sets out to unpack the mystery, mysticism and art of tarot cards.

Tarot cards history dates back to the 15th century, when they were hand-painted and used in various European cultures to play games. In the late 18th century French occultists aligned the cards with divination and esotericism and custom-made packs began to be produced to tell fortunes and futures. Tarot cards have been closely associated with the unconscious ever since.

Tarot looks at the centuries-long history and the evolution of tarot, culturally and artistically, as tarot have been developed in the hands of mystics and artists alike. Expect rare and historic decks such as the Austin Osman spare Tarot deck from circa 1906, as well as highlights illustrating how tarot influenced artists and inspired writers.