Mira Mariah’s Pastel Tarot Cards Bear Witness to Girlhood

Here, we ask an artist to frame the essential details behind one of their latest works.

Bio: Mira Mariah, 32, New York (@girlknewyork)

Title of work: Two of Swords, (2024).

Where to see it: “All Fame No Fortune,” presented by Everything’s Fine Vintage (140 Essex St, New York) until November 13. 

Three words to describe it: Tarot. Color. Citygirl.

What was on your mind at the time: I was looking at scenes from Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot and imagined moments in an evening where those circumstances could happen naturally: the Two of Swords card where a woman holding two swords sits blindfolded front and center placed in a blotchy dreamy scene in a restaurant with friends and chopsticks in hand. In traditional tarot [deck], the Two of Swords speaks to being blinded to the choices in front of [one], as is reimagined in the artwork. The woman I portrayed is now in a social setting, unable to see the sushi she’s choosing, symbolizing a relatable moment of indecision amidst the distractions of modern life. 

An interesting feature that’s not immediately noticeable: I hid lots of advertising, products, artworks, and other symbols I commonly use in my tattoos throughout the collection. The tattoos that are worn by the characters in the portraits are all based on tattoos I’ve done before. 

How it reflects your practice as a whole: My work explores women’s inner lives and their relationships with each other. This piece playfully reinterprets tarot’s role in popular culture. It departs from my usual style by incorporating vibrant colors and layers. As a tattoo artist, I often work with a single black line, but for this series, I aimed for a softer, more dreamlike effect with layered colors. I wanted it to feel much more fuzzy and natural, like a memory or mirage than the tighter line I work with as a tattoo artist. 

One song that captures the work’s essence: “Supercut” by Lorde.