Introduction to Leonora Carrington

The Origins of Carrington's Tarot Card Art

Carrington's Tarot Card Deck: Themes and Symbolism

Analysis of Selected Tarot Cards

The Legacy of Carrington's Tarot Card Art

Conclusion

Introduction to Leonora Carrington

An artist in the surrealist movement Leonora Carrington's creative journey has left her magical mark on the art world. Born in 1917 in Britain, Carrington spent her adult life in Mexico. She first entered into the surrealist art scene of 1930s Paris, where she found her artistic style and met with some of the most influential artists of the movement. Carrington’s art blended mythology, folklore, personal symbolism and the subconscious mind into a landscape of artistic expression. Her paintings are often of mystical beings and anthropomorphic creatures, and she weaves narratives into her artwork which explore human experience and identity.  

Visually, Carrington tended to work with rich vivid colours, intricate details, and unexpected combinations to create work to challenge our perception and engage our imagination. Carrington's art feels like a love song to the journey of surrealist exploration and inviting us to question our own reality. I love how her work transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Following her death in 2011 Carrington has left us with a legacy which continues to inspire and captivate.

The origins of Carrington's tarot card art

It’s generally agreed that Leonora Carrington's venture into creating tarot card art came from a lifelong fascination with the occult and mysticism. Her exploration of the tarot therefore was a fairly natural extension of her artistic and spiritual journey. As she delved deeper into the surrealist movement, she also became more acquainted with various occult traditions, symbolism, and the writings of influential psychologists such as Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud.

By the mid-1940s, Carrington's partner, Max Ernst is reported to have introduced her to the tarot. The tarot deck, with its intricate symbolism and archetypal imagery seemed to have resonated with Carrington's exploration of the human psyche and her interest in mythology. Inspired by her passion for the occult and her artistic vision, at some point in the mid 1950s Carrington embarked on creating her own set of tarot cards. She painted on thick cardboard and used richly pigmented paint, and worked with gold and silver leaf. The artwork was never released while she was alive, and copies have only been made available posthumously as limited releases. The cards are likely to have always intended solely for her own personal use and practice.

Carrington's Tarot Card Deck: Themes and Symbolism

Carrington's tarot deck are of the major arcana cards only and there is no public evidence to suggest that she had created a complete set of minor arcana cards. The major arcana consists of 22 cards that hold significant symbolic meaning and represent major life events and archetypal energies.

Carrington's unique interpretation of the tarot deck unsurprisingly embraces her surrealist style, blending symbolism, and dreamy imagery. The art work brought together the esoteric wisdom of the tarot with rich artistic expression. While Carrington added her own artistic interpretations, she does also seem to have drawn from the traditional symbolism and meanings of the archetypal associations of the tarot. It is believed that she drew inspiration from tarot decks such as the Rider Waite and Marseille, as well as the symbolism associated with the tarot tradition.

While specific details that influenced Carrington's work may not be explicitly known, it is the blending of her diverse interests in surrealism, mythology, occultism, and personal symbolism, that have shaped her unique interpretation of the tarot. Her tarot card art shows her creative individuality and her ability to merge these various influences into a cohesive and captivating visual narrative. While Carrington's tarot card art is not as widely recognized as her paintings and sculptures, it is still a testament to her exploration of diverse creative mediums.

An Analysis of Carrington’s Justice and Death Tarot Cards

Justice

A deep royal blue wash background with a white line figure with crown and sword in a seated position. The balanced scales lay across the figures lap. In Carrington's depiction of the Justice tarot card, the figure of Justice (usually an angel in traditional decks) takes on a more mysterious form. The figure is an ethereal presence. The face is featureless apart from a pair of large eyes which appear to be focused and discerning. Even the figure's posture conveys a sense of balance and impartiality. The scales and sword, as with traditional decks, are both symbolic of the associations of justice. In terms of the colour palette, the blue background may represent calmness and clarity, and the white could represent purity of thought and enlightenment. Overall, Carrington's depiction of the Justice tarot card is an engaging blend of surrealistic elements and symbolic imagery.

Strength

A mystical griffin and snake headed creature being calmly overpowered by a feminine figure with no face. The figure has an infinity halo and there are flowers blooming from the dark background. Carrington's Strength card represents inner strength, resilience, and the power of the feminine. The traditional depiction of this card is of a woman taming a lion; here it is given a unique interpretation and Carrington's portrayal may depict a more harmonious relationship between the figure and the creature, highlighting the balance between power and vulnerability. In traditional tarot, the Strength card figures' interaction is with the lion; this represents the ability to harness and channel one's inner strength to calm the wild aspects of the self. It is symbolic of the triumph of inner resilience over brute force or aggression, suggesting the importance of working in harmony with our inner nature. The warm earthy tones of rich brown and orange in Carrington's Strength card evoke a sense of grounding and the intuition which extends beyond physical powers. Her interpretation invites viewers to explore their own sources of strength and connect with their inner depths and unique capacity for self-mastery. The strength card serves as a reminder of the transformative potential within each of us.

The Legacy of Carrington's Tarot Card Art

Carrington's tarot art serves as inspiration for all creatives who relate to her exploration of the subconscious mind, mythology, and personal symbolism. This tarot deck has been noted for its ability to transcend traditional boundaries and to merge art with spirituality, into a personal and transformative journey, thus engaging us to express our own unique perspectives on the mystical and the surreal. The use of dreamy landscapes, and fantastical creatures, sparks the imagination for other creatives who are drawn to the surrealistic realm. Carrington’s mastery of surrealist techniques enabled her interpretation of tarot to be a rich narrative. Each card's unique art work becomes a portal to self-discovery, offering insights and guidance along the path of personal growth. As we look at Carrington's surreal and mystic realms, we are invited to embrace our own personal symbolism, challenge our perceptions, and expand our understanding of reality. Through her art, Carrington empowers us to embark on an inward exploration and a deeper connection with ourselves.

Summary of thoughts

While Carrington's tarot card art is not as widely recognized as her paintings and sculptures, it is a testament to her creativity and her exploration. Her tarot deck reflects her deep connection to the mystical and the magical, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual insight. They are also a testament to her belief in the power of symbolism and the profound influence of the subconscious mind and they are a fascinating chapter in her artistic legacy. It offers us a glimpse into her fascination with the occult and her unique interpretation of the tarot's archetypes. As we immerse ourselves in Carrington's visionary tarot art, we are reminded of the profound significance of artistic exploration and the infinite possibilities that reside within the human imagination.