History and Symbolism of Tarot at the L.A. Craft and Folk Art Museum

Robert Place will be curating at the Los Angeles Craft and Folk Art Museum, from January 23 to May 9, 2010. Looks like an interesting feature, so if you are in the L.A. area, heads up:

The Fool’s Journey : The History and Symbolism of the Tarot

January 24, 2010 – May 9, 2010

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.

The Fool’s Journey 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.

This exhibition was curated by Tarot scholar, writer, and artist Robert M. Place.

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.

(via Mary K Greer’s blog & Shuffle)