the house of tarot at the herman kiefer complex
“Set within Building 7, which was designed by Albert Kahn in the early 1920s as part of the Herman Kiefer Hospital, The House of Tarot, an extraordinary immersive art installation, is set to unveil a one-of-a-kind experience inside the historic Herman Kiefer Complex. Featuring the work of 22 visionary artists, this groundbreaking exhibition will reimagine the 22 Major Arcana tarot cards, guiding visitors through an interactive journey that explores the profound symbolism and transformative power of the tarot. The exhibition will span four expansive floors, each hosting large-scale installations that bring the Major Arcana to life. Visitors will embark on the Fool’s Journey, moving from room to room and floor to floor, immersing themselves in a multi-sensory narrative that delves into themes of fate, intuition, transformation and personal discovery.”
Each artist received a tarot reading from co-producer and artist Zoe Beaudry, which revealed which card in the deck was theirs to divine.
Jason REVOK, who’s known for his large-scale murals and paintings that initially appear to be a machine produced repetitive pattern but are actually hand wielded tools that leave drips, skips and schmears, interprets the Star card.
Widely known for Theater Bizarre, John Dunivant was dealt The Fool card. When I saw this room, some artwork had yet to be hung but the overall intent is to produce an optical illusion for the visitor.
This is not your grandmother’s Wheel of Fortune. It is fully operational and visitors are welcome to spin for their fate.
The Death card can be interpreted as an ending but it also reads as rebirth and renewal. Kiseleva has created one of the more striking installations, offering the viewer the opportunity to reflect on themselves and attend the bones of past influence.
Upon entry to the once bustling medical building now long abandoned complete with paint peeling from the walls, the visitor is greeted by nag champa hanging in the air along with a welcome banner displaying all represented tarot cards within. There’s a definite sense of embarking on a personal expedition where one is challenged to consider their relationship to the mystics and otherworldly forces presented by some of Detroit’s best artists.
I had the chance to briefly interview Ed Bullock and co-producer/artist Ashely Worden during my visit and include a written description of a couple installations not included in this post.
On view through May 10th at The House of Tarot Building 7, 1151 Taylor Street Detroit. Full list of participating artists, visiting hours and events on the website.
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
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