Pixel Tarot

Bixel art, a digital art form that manipulates images at the pixel level, does not require firsthand experience of classic video games to appreciate it. Dominant from the 70s to the 90s due to the limited power of computers, pixel art graphics retain a certain charm, even in their apparent roughness, emulating features of 8-bit and 16-bit computers and consoles. This style is has its roots in early arcade games such as Space Invaders and Pac-Man.

Above: a selection of cards from the Pixel Tarot pack; The Tower, 9 of Coins, the 5 of Coins, and the Sun. A modern pixel art spin on the now timeless Rider-Waite tarot designs.

The constraints of screen resolution and colour palette posed a challenge for video game developers to deliver intricate visuals. Yet, as the shift towards high-resolution, impressive computer graphics accelerated, a certain nostalgia for pixelated simplicity began to grow.

The Pixel Tarot deck embraces this longing, recalling the golden age of pixelated video games. By merging tarot and pixel art, this project aims not only to evoke nostalgia for video games, but also to resonate with current trends. It adheres to the globally recognized blueprint of the Rider-Waite tarot deck, the modern de facto template for tarot decks.

The Pixel Tarot also mirrors a broader trend of blending spirituality, modern pop culture and personal identity. Its success underscores the appeal of merging mysticism and contemporary trends, hinting at the ongoing personalisation of spirituality. Read more about this in my article on Branded Tarot Decks and Modern Mystic Lifestyle.

The project, designed by SENGIA, was brought to life by Guang Dong King Star Playing Cards Co., Ltd, known as Kingstar, in China. Its production was crowd-funded on Kickstarter, where it garnered the support of 259 backers, raising $17,130 in 2022.