The Lacuna Tarot

The Lacuna Tarot is a 78-card deck conceived, designed, and painted by artist Aleks Samoylov, presenting a unique, surreal, and non-figurative approach to the traditional tarot system. The deck's imagery moves beyond literal representations, instead employing abstract forms, symbolic objects, and evocative landscapes to convey the essence of each card's meaning. This design choice aims to foster a deeper, more intuitive connection with the cards, inviting readers to engage with the symbolism on a personal and introspective level.

Launched successfully on Kickstarter in 2022, the project garnered support from 85 backers, indicating an audience keen for innovative and artistically driven tarot interpretations. The campaign emphasized the deck's symbolic richness, suggesting it is crafted for those who appreciate art that challenges conventional representation while still adhering to the underlying structure of tarot. The non-figurative nature means the deck avoids human or animal figures, focusing instead on archetypal forms and atmospheric compositions.

The deck is intended to be a tool for introspection and understanding, with its surreal aesthetic encouraging readers to look beyond the obvious and explore the 'lacunas' or gaps in conventional understanding. This approach makes the deck suitable for experienced readers seeking a fresh perspective or art collectors who value unique, thought-provoking illustration within the tarot framework.

This deck is ideal for experienced tarot readers who are looking for a non-traditional, art-focused deck that encourages intuitive interpretation rather than literal symbolism. It will appeal to collectors of unique and surreal art, as well as those interested in exploring deeper, more abstract layers of tarot meaning. Readers who prefer decks without human figures or a strong narrative will find the non-figurative approach refreshing.

Aleks Samoylov is a writer and artist who explores various media, with a recent focus on interactive virtual spaces. His creative process for The Lacuna Tarot involved conceiving, designing, and painting each card, aiming for a unique, surreal, and symbolically rich outcome. Samoylov describes his work as being created "on the surface of the earth, descending only occasionally into the vast, impossible labyrinths beneath," hinting at the introspective and otherworldly nature of his artistic vision reflected in the deck.