Tarot Card Deck based on 1940's WPA Art Deco Posters

The Tarot Card Deck based on 1940's WPA Art Deco Posters is a 78-card tarot set that reinterprets the classic Major and Minor Arcana through the distinctive visual language of the Works Progress Administration era. Created by Bobby Alexander, the deck leverages the aesthetic of historical American posters from the 1940s, known for their bold graphics, striking typography, and Art Deco influences. This approach offers a unique blend of historical art and traditional tarot symbolism.

A key feature of this deck is its commitment to full illustration across all 78 cards. Unlike many traditional decks that use simple 'pip' arrangements for the Minor Arcana, every card in this deck presents a complete scene. This design choice enhances the narrative quality of each card, making it more accessible for intuitive reading and visual storytelling. The integration of WPA poster art means that each card is a miniature piece of historical Americana, offering a fresh perspective on tarot imagery.

The deck's concept bridges the gap between art appreciation and divination, appealing to those with an interest in American history, graphic design, and the Art Deco movement, as well as tarot enthusiasts. The use of WPA posters, originally designed to promote various public services and cultural events, brings a layer of social and historical context to the tarot archetypes, inviting deeper reflection on themes of community, progress, and human endeavor.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers who appreciate historical art, particularly the Art Deco style and American graphic design from the 1940s. It will appeal to collectors seeking unique, theme-driven decks that diverge from traditional RWS or Thoth imagery. Readers who prefer fully illustrated Minor Arcana over pip cards will find this deck engaging, as will those interested in decks that offer a strong narrative and aesthetic cohesion.

Bobby Alexander created the Tarot Card Deck based on 1940's WPA Art Deco Posters, drawing inspiration from the distinctive visual style of the Works Progress Administration era. The project aimed to translate the iconic imagery of these historical American posters into a complete 78-card tarot deck. Alexander's vision was to create a fully illustrated deck, ensuring that even the Minor Arcana cards presented detailed scenes rather than simple suit arrangements, thereby enhancing the narrative depth and artistic integrity of the tarot system.