Alice Smeets interprets traditional tarot cards through the art of
photography. The scenes are inspired by the Rider Waite Tarot
Deck and were recreated with a group of Haitian artist, the Atis
Rezistans collective, in the ghettos of Haiti. The traditional
symbolism of 78 tarot cards is transformed into timeless codes.
“Taking ordinary pictures of the scenes seemed too simple, my
aim was to create a very personal deck without losing the spirit
of the cards. I combined my passions: the spiritual world, the
Haitian culture, the philosophical reflections about the dualities
in our world and, of course, photography,” says Alice Smeets.
Atis Rezistans played a special part in the realization. They
acted as models in front of the camera and constructed the
objects needed. Smeets doesn’t show the expected image of
despair in the slums, instead she presents life in the ghetto full
of power, joy and creativity.
