Tarot is trending. Originally a card game played for fun, more recently known for divination and fortune-telling, tarot has once again been reimagined by Boojum&Snark in Sandown. Rendered through the creative lens of illustrator Tommy Bretnall and writer Anmarie Bowler, a brand new 24-card tarot deck brings the past, present and future of the Isle of Wight to life.
“There are stories of innovation, pathos, enchantment and punk rock, shuffled together to reveal a vision of place that is engaged, eccentric and exhilarating,” explained Isle of Wight Tarot creative producer, Tracy Mikich.
Traditionally, tarot has been a way to connect with the self, a tool offering a moment to reflect and explore future possibilities. The Isle of Wight Tarot instead seek to reconnect readers and viewers to chosen cultural threads woven into a specific place. History, folklore, heritage, people, places and the here-and-now are portrayed through whimsical illustrations and unique short stories. From penance at the Pepperpot to courage above the Ventnor Fringe Big Top.
Writer Anmarie Bowler believes, “short fiction often unveils pockets of authenticity and truth that hard facts overlook. These cards were an opportunity to question what we think we know.”
She continued, “So for example, while history dubs Molly Downer the Last Wight Witch, the Anchorite card wonders aloud why the woman who kept to herself, tending a wild garden, was painted a pariah? Rather than embracing history’s well-used characterization – outcast occultist – might Molly be celebrated as an early environmentalist instead?”
And it’s not just the art that makes this deck so unique, it’s the method in which they were created. They’re printed on a Risograph. While it looks like a photocopier, the Riso uses spot colours and stencils to create tactile, vibrant print effects with minimal impact on the environment. Printing a sprinkling of extra magic into each deck.
The Isle of Wight Tarot is a collection of illustrated fiction, commissioned by Creative Island, the Isle of Wight’s cultural agency, for the 2026 CAN YOU HEAR US? celebration.
You can find them on exhibit at Monkton Arts from 6th-17th October, 2026. And the public is invited to the exhibit’s special opening on 9th October from 5pm to 7pm, where you’ll be greeted by music from fiddle player Sophie Kate and unique tarot readings
In addition to Monkton Arts, all 24 cards – stories and images – will be on exhibit at the Isle of Wight Literary Festival in Cowes from 8 to 11 October 2026.
