The Fool's Journey ~ The History & Symbolism of the Tarot

Written by Robert M. Place Sunday, 14 March 2010 20:20

Los Angeles, CA - While known today primarily as a fortune telling or occult deck, the Tarot was born out of the intellectual and artistic developments of the Italian Renaissance. Links to the Tarot’s icons and symbology can be found in the popular arts, and philosophy of this rich historic period. Influenced by alchemy, Hermetic mysticism and the concept of Anima Mundi (the fifth element of life), the Tarot became a conversation between mystics and artists that has lasted over five centuries. This exhibition was curated by Tarot scholar, writer, and artist Robert M. Place. Fool’s Journey  will be on view at CAFAM  through April 9, 2010.  A host of events, including artists’ talks, children’s workshops, and adult classes, and other cultural adventures will take place during the run of the exhibit.

The Fool’s Journey: The History and Symbolism of the Tarot will illuminate the 22 cards of the Tarot’s major arcana, from the Fool to the World, presenting historic examples from early decks and relating them to other works of art from that era. It will continue with historic examples of the French deck known as The Tarot of Marseilles and early occult decks that bloomed from this tradition. Popular twentieth century decks including the Waite-Smith Tarot, and works of art by modern Tarot artists will be featured to provide a deeper understanding of the Tarot’s artistic legacy and message of mystical transformation.

ABOUT THE CURATOR Robert M. Place is an internationally known visionary artist, author, illustrator, and Tarot Designer, whose award winning works, in painting, sculpture, and jewelry, have been displayed in galleries and museums in America, Europe, and Japan and graced the covers and pages of numerous books and publications. He has written several volumes on the art and philosophy of Tarot including The Tarot: History, Symbolism and Divination, The Alchemical Tarot, The Tarot of the Saints and The Buddha Tarot. Robert is recognized throughout the world as an expert on and gifted teacher of the Western mystical tradition and the history and philosophy of the Tarot. He and his work have appeared on The Discovery, the Learning Channel, and Animal Planet.

About CAFAM CAFAM champions cultural understanding by encouraging curiosity about our diverse world. Our exhibits and programs serve as a catalyst for the exploration of art and ideas that reflect our ever-changing community. In a shrinking world, CAFAM believes in building common ground. As the twenty-first century brings global cultures ever closer together, we often find ourselves traveling in unfamiliar lands. This mapless new landscape requires inter-cultural fluency and frequent trips to Craft and Folk Art Museum:

5814 Wilshire Boulevard / Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11am–7pm;  Friday 11am–5pm; Saturday and Sunday 12 – 6 pm Los Angeles, CA 90036 Tel. 323-937-4230

www.cafam.org

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