Eighteen is pleased to present:
The Fool’s Journey
Caroline Absher, Kinga Bartis, Anders Brinch, Sidse Carstens, Richard Colman, Rose Eken, Siri Elfhag, Frederik Exner, Seana Gavin, Nina Hartmann, Loji Höskuldsson, Emma Kohlmann,Noa Lachmi, Oscar Chan Yik Long, Camilla Mihkelsoo, Johanna Seidel, Apolonia Sokol, Sonya Sombreuil, Anna Stahn, Suzanne Treister, Albin Werle and Sif Itona Westerberg. Curated by Rose Eken.
OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY MAY 3. 2024 TIME: 16.00 - 21.00
EXHIBITION PERIOD: MAY 3. – JUNE 1. 2024
… ‘No power inhabits a deck of tarot cards beyond what you, as the tarot reader, bring to them. There is no doctrinaire meaning for any card, and no authority on high handing down pronouncements. There is only your knowledge of myth and symbol. These things you may consider through the study of classical Greek and Roman myth, physics, all forms of mysticism and occultism, even psychology. You combine this with your own life experience […] and bring it to the cards’[1].
The Fool’s Journey is a group exhibition gathering 22 internationally acclaimed artists working in different media. Each have been invited to interpret a tarot card from the Major Arcana, which is comprised of 22 cards within the tarot deck that depict the main stages or events that can happen in one’s life. The Major Arcana begins with the Fool, a symbol of innocence, ignorance and potential. His experiences as he learns, grows and makes his way through life are represented by the 21 cards that follow and is often referred to as “The Fool’s Journey.” As the curator or ‘High Priestess,’ of the exhibition, Rose Eken pulled a card for each artist, thus it is the whim of the tarot spread that determined which card each artist was assigned.
Collectively the artists in the exhibition form a dynamic, interconnected network – a sort of contemporary coven that spans across a wide variety of media, age, nationality and gender. Each of the 22 artworks will also be combined to create a Major Arcana deck, accompanied by a catalogue in the form of a classic tarot book that guides the user through both the cards and artworks.
Tarot is a practice we can all undertake and a language universally comprehensible if we dedicate time to observe the cards. Images and symbols surround us online as well as in art, fashion, design, street signs and emojis, and communicating in a language of symbolism is already second nature to us. The symbolic language of tarot is passed down through generations and is accessible to anyone looking for introspection and to find meaning.
Amidst a recent escalation of societal and global uncertainties, the popularity of tarot has surged. Tarot has the capacity to provide guidance and comfort through unprecedented events, which resonates with those seeking solace and direction. It aids self-examination, fosters creativity and helps one access their inner desires and fears.
While Tarot as a medium was once marginalised, artists throughout history have embraced tarot to propel cultural discourse and broaden perspectives. Female artists who have cited tarot as one of their sources of inspiration such as Ithell Colquhoun, Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo are now receiving recognition for their contributions to art history. This exhibition addresses the resurgence, interest and poignance of tarot in contemporary life and the artworld.
…Tarot reminds us of the universality of our longing for meaning, for purpose, and for a connection to the divine. Tarot reflects not only a history of seekers, but also our journey of artistic expression and the way we use ink, paint and pencil to illuminate and to celebrate our shared human story’[2]
Tarot readings in the exhibition on select Fridays - please check the news section on v1gallery.com for schedule and how to book your session.
[1] Alchemy of a Blackbird by Claire McMillian, Atria Books
[2] The Sacred & The Arcane; A brief History of Tarot, p. 19, Tarot, The Library of Esoterica, Taschen
