Glasgow School of Art

Exhibition Review: The Art of Japanese Tarot.

The tarot intrigues me. I myself own two packs….or is it decks? Both intricate in style and design they possess the ability to predict future events, decipher meanings and influence opinion. Pity therefore I can only ever manage to spread them out pick one and after frantically thumbing through the manual determine I am destined for a happy ever after regardless.

The Mackintosh Gallery at the Glasgow School of Art recently held The Art Of Japanese Tarot (18 April- 9 May 2009), an exhibition charting the evolution of the tarot, in terms of history and design. The tarot was only introduced to Japan in the 1970’s but became a popular source of interest with literally hundreds of Japanese tarot cards being created in various styles and forms. The exhibition began with an introduction to the tarot as a concept. Originating in Italy from aristocratic families as hand-crafted gifts this then evolved into a game and took on a deck formation. From this, characters were determined such as The Lovers and The Fool and have remained constant throughout its development.

The exhibition was simple in structure, displaying each tarot card set in standard glass frames, divided into genres and categories. Role playing and computer game tarot cards gave an insight into the influence of Japanese popular culture. The anime and manga designs looked more like playground trump cards but I was impressed by the gold-leaf set with delicately sculpted characters.

I was drawn in particular to the early western examples including the Alfons Mucha exhibit, with each card framed by the iconic elements of nature. My favourite of the exhibition had to be the Vogue tarot, created in the 1920’s Art Deco style. Beautiful and bright, I yearned to trade in both my packs for just one. I reluctantly left this exhibition longing to take them with me, but I’ll have to settle for the exhibition catalogue instead.

Curated: Ronnie Heeps & Adam McLean- Catalogue available at GSA Shop; students £8, adults £10.