An Isle of Wight-inspired tarot deck bringing together local history, folklore, people, places and punk rock is to go on display at Monkton Arts next month.
The Isle of Wight Tarot, a collection of illustrated fiction commissioned by Creative Island for the 2026 Can You Hear Us? celebration, will be exhibited at Monkton Arts from Tuesday 6th October until Saturday 17th October.
A special opening event will take place on Friday 9th October from 17:00-19:00, with members of the public invited to attend.
Illustrator Tommy Brentnall and writer Anmarie Bowler have created the 24-card deck, drawing inspiration from the Isle of Wight’s history, folklore, heritage and contemporary culture.
Tracy Mikich, creative producer of The Isle of Wight Tarot, has said:
“There are stories of innovation, pathos, enchantment and punk rock, shuffled together to reveal a vision of place that is engaged, eccentric and exhilarating.”
While tarot has traditionally been used as a tool for reflection and exploring future possibilities, the Isle of Wight project instead aims to reconnect readers and viewers with cultural threads woven into the Island.
Anmarie Bowler has said:
“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.
“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?”
Stories featured in the deck range from penance at the Pepperpot and courage above the Ventnor Fringe Big Top to chimney sweep Valentine Gray and Ryde-born punk rock band Grade 2.
The cards have been printed using a Risograph, which uses spot colours and stencils to produce tactile and vibrant print effects with minimal environmental impact.
The project was imagined and developed at Boojum&Snark in Sandown.
All 24 cards, including their stories and illustrations, will also be exhibited at the Isle of Wight Literary Festival in Cowes from Thursday 8th October until Sunday 11th October.
