Tarot Card Deck based on 1940's WPA Posters : Major & Minor

The Tarot Card Deck based on 1940's WPA Posters is a 78-card tarot deck that uniquely blends the historical aesthetic of the American Works Progress Administration (WPA) with the symbolic structure of tarot. Created by Bobby Alexander, the deck utilizes existing WPA poster art, some in Art Deco and some in Modern styles, to represent the Major and Minor Arcana. This approach offers a fresh, culturally specific lens through which to engage with tarot archetypes, grounding ancient wisdom in a distinct period of American history.

The WPA, active during the Great Depression, produced a vast array of public art, including posters promoting everything from tourism to public health. Alexander's deck repurposes these iconic images, allowing the inherent symbolism and artistic styles of the 1940s to inform the tarot's narrative. The deck maintains the full 78-card structure, ensuring it is fully functional for traditional tarot readings while providing a unique visual experience. The campaign highlights the beauty and historical significance of the source material, presenting the deck as both a divinatory tool and a piece of Americana.

By drawing on WPA posters, the deck taps into themes of resilience, community, and national identity that were prevalent during that era. These themes resonate with many tarot concepts, such as overcoming adversity, building foundations, and collective consciousness. The deck is designed to be accessible to both seasoned tarot readers looking for a distinctive deck and history enthusiasts interested in the WPA era, offering a bridge between historical art and contemporary spiritual practice.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers who appreciate vintage aesthetics, particularly those with an interest in American history, the 1930s-1940s era, or graphic design from that period. It will appeal to collectors seeking unique, art-focused decks that offer a distinct visual departure from traditional or contemporary styles. Readers who enjoy interpreting symbolism through historical and cultural contexts will find this deck particularly engaging, as it invites reflection on how WPA themes align with tarot archetypes.

Bobby Alexander created this tarot deck by drawing inspiration from the rich visual archive of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) posters. The project aimed to transform these historical artifacts into a functional and beautiful tarot deck, bridging the gap between art history and divination. The campaign, launched in 2020, successfully garnered support from 51 backers, raising $1,645, which enabled the production of this unique deck.