"Professor Hyatt's Tarot" - A Fool's Journey:
Exhibition at Smiths Alternative Gallery 6th June to 4th August 2023
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MAIN TAROT EXHIBITION SITE (OPENS IN NEW TAB)
This exhibition at the popular Smith’s Alternative Gallery ran for two months and was titled called, “Professor Hyatt’s Tarot”.
This body of work combined art and magic using oil paintings by artist John Hyatt, Professor of Contemporary Art, Liverpool John Moores University, to create an all new, and totally original 78 card tarot deck and full size artworks..
The rationale behind this exhibition was twofold; to highlight the often overlooked status of tarot cards as art pieces in their own right, and to explore an art medium that is truly interactive with the viewer by its very nature.
Opening night on 6th June proved to be a huge success with a wide range number of visitors There was a great community atmosphere and genuine interest in the subject. There were even two professional tarot readers, Tarot by Poirot and The Little Tarot Crucible on hand to put the cards into action and give readings to visitors.
John Brookes, curator, guidebook writer and design co-collaborator, who also wrote the Tarot deck guide book said: “the evening exceeded my wildest expectations - I was hoping to maybe get 15 or so (including me and the tarot readers!), but as the evening went on the crowds grew. It was great to see people enjoying the art, interacting with the readers and socializing with others in Smith’s typically relaxed environment. Canberra needs more of these sorts of events.”
Professor John Hyatt, the key artist, summed it up: “There is nothing more important to me in life than giving joy and inspiration through my art. It has been wonderful to finally exhibit in Canberra - I had to go right around the globe to get here and it took me decades. I hope my new Tarot brings insight and new perspectives. I thank you for the warm reception and for welcoming my art into your hearts.”
This body of work combined art and magic using oil paintings by artist John Hyatt, Professor of Contemporary Art, Liverpool John Moores University, to create an all new, and totally original 78 card tarot deck and full size artworks..
The rationale behind this exhibition was twofold; to highlight the often overlooked status of tarot cards as art pieces in their own right, and to explore an art medium that is truly interactive with the viewer by its very nature.
Opening night on 6th June proved to be a huge success with a wide range number of visitors There was a great community atmosphere and genuine interest in the subject. There were even two professional tarot readers, Tarot by Poirot and The Little Tarot Crucible on hand to put the cards into action and give readings to visitors.
John Brookes, curator, guidebook writer and design co-collaborator, who also wrote the Tarot deck guide book said: “the evening exceeded my wildest expectations - I was hoping to maybe get 15 or so (including me and the tarot readers!), but as the evening went on the crowds grew. It was great to see people enjoying the art, interacting with the readers and socializing with others in Smith’s typically relaxed environment. Canberra needs more of these sorts of events.”
Professor John Hyatt, the key artist, summed it up: “There is nothing more important to me in life than giving joy and inspiration through my art. It has been wonderful to finally exhibit in Canberra - I had to go right around the globe to get here and it took me decades. I hope my new Tarot brings insight and new perspectives. I thank you for the warm reception and for welcoming my art into your hearts.”