Thoth Tarot 1943

Editor: Here we have "Thoth Tarot" by Lady Frieda Harris, crafted in 1943, using tempera and acrylic paint. I'm struck by its rigid geometry and the juxtaposition of earthy oranges against cool blues. How do you interpret the symbolism embedded within its structure? Curator: I see a meticulous arrangement of forms. Note the strategic placement of geometric figures—the triangles, squares, and their layered repetitions. The overall composition echoes the visual language of stained glass, translated through the mediums of tempera and acrylic paint. These deliberate choices yield an artwork rich in visual tension and structured harmony. What, to your eye, is the significance of the artist's limited palette? Editor: The restricted color palette—predominantly orange and blue—amplifies the structural forms. It focuses my attention on the spatial relationships. It almost feels like a map, or the plan for some impossible architecture. Curator: Precisely. Observe how the artist manipulates depth and perspective, even within these flat planes. The layering creates an ambiguous space—simultaneously a plan and a three-dimensional construct. It invites us to consider the relationship between representation and reality, signifier and signified. Is this simply symbolism or a complex philosophical treatise expressed visually? Editor: So, it's not just about the tarot but about Harris using abstract forms to explore bigger ideas. Curator: Precisely. And this, in turn, heightens our perception and engages our intellectual curiosity with these complex signs. Editor: I'm starting to look past the symbols and see this as a dynamic arrangement of pure forms. Thank you for bringing this new perspective into view.