Join us for an engaging artist talk with Salem photographer James Bostick, creator of the Salem Arcanum Tarot. This special event invites audiences into the magical world of a photographic tarot deck conceived, created, and inspired by Salem, Massachusetts. Through conversation and visual insight, Bostick will discuss the origins of the project, the symbolism behind the images, and the creative process that shaped his distinctive interpretation of tarot’s enduring visual language.

This presentation will include a history or artist and photographer tarot projects followed by a Q&A panel discussion with the artist, special guest Rev. Madame Therese M. DeVoe, Hps., and our host Leah Ordonia.

Salem Arcanum Tarot 

The Salem Arcanum Tarot by James Bostick, interprets the visual and symbolic language of the tarot through the lens of a camera. The images and symbols of the Tarot tradition have a rich and ancient history. Bostick has studied and been inspired by these themes and offers this series of photographic interpretations of the complex visual language that is Tarot. 

Bostick directed his interest in semiotics, the study of language and symbol systems, towards the pictorial storytelling of the tarot. Bostick’s lived experience with the culture and people of Salem has added to his inspiration as he embarked on his photographic journey to explore this intertwined visual experience.

For those who believe in the mysteries of the tarot they contain personality and attempt divination at the heart of each image. The outcome is a secret language and form of expression uniquely their own.

Creating the Salem Arcanum Tarot

Creating The Salem Arcanum Tarot, Bostick is tied to what is possible in his studio. Every image in the series becomes a portrait that tells the human story within each card. In the fantastic world of tarot, commonly seen as illustrations or paintings, anything is possible. But in the studio Bostick is constrained by the boundaries of the frame and limits of real people as actors. Each work becomes a tiny theater production. The compositions are reduced to the bare necessities and artifacts needed to tell the stories. He does not rely on digital trickery to achieve his vision. “What you see happens before my camera and is captured in its entirety in my studio” according to Bostick. The result is possibly the only representation of the tarot entirely crafted before a camera. 

Free Event for Salem Arts Members & Tarot Class Registrants

Suggested Donation for Non-Members: $20