Thoth Tarot 1943

Curator: This watercolor piece is "Thoth Tarot," created by Lady Frieda Harris in 1943. What are your initial thoughts? Editor: I am struck by the balance and almost dreamlike quality—the vivid color choices and the stylized presentation feel very striking. Curator: Harris' work, particularly this series, delves into the world of occult symbolism. These tarot designs emerged during a very specific moment—a period marked by World War II, and, indeed, personal strife—made in collaboration with Aleister Crowley, the notorious occultist. Knowing this context, how might we interpret this image now? Editor: Focusing on formal elements, notice the organic, art-nouveau elements. The swirling pattern in the trunk emphasizes its groundedness, and the golden orb suggests transcendence and possibility, while the pattern-making makes it more pleasing. The palette of complementary colors is really vibrant! Curator: It is interesting how she married a decorative, even commodifiable, art style, such as Art Nouveau, to a radical counter-cultural system, like Crowley's. This approach invites us to think about how cultural production often incorporates, and at times appropriates, different social discourses. Do you find any social resonance here? Editor: Yes, the stylized leaves and flower arrangement could read as conventional ornamentation. However, when placed in the context of tarot and occultism, that superficial gloss creates a veneer over some potentially difficult and socially transgressive symbolism. I love the tensions in that opposition! Curator: Absolutely, the use of art and craft acts as a social tool here. Harris' background was one of social reform—I'm wondering whether her involvement was simply one of decorative and color decisions. I suspect that there was perhaps a much greater exploration. I appreciate how this abstract patterning blends abstraction and symbol, providing avenues for introspection on how to make a counterculture visible to society. Editor: Examining Harris’ visual language—its abstract and organic qualities and bold choice of coloration—really sheds light on the complexities of abstraction in symbolic imagery. Thank you for illuminating this complex social web; now I understand how it influences Harris' tarot and artistic innovation!