XIII v2.0
A parable themed Tarot deck in development, complete with on-site mixed reality experiences.
XIII v2.0 is on exhibition from May 27th to August 26th 2025 at the sxʷeŋ'xʷəŋ taŋ'exw James Bay Public Library in Victoria, BC, Canada
When visiting the exhibition, use your mobile phone to experience an Augmented Reality (AR) display featuring three dimensional and interactive artworks appearing to occupy the space around you. Each week a new immersive and interactive Mixed Reality (MR) session will be unveiled when the associated QR code is scanned with a mobile device.
Experience 1. X. Rota Fortunae: The Ancient Spherical Astrolabe in AR
Experience 2. VII. The Chariot: Command the motorcycle chariot in MR
Experience 3. XIII. The Card with No Name: Skeleton Microphone in MR
Each original painting is available for purchase as the displayed work for $888 or a printed un-numbered version in the form of an 5x7 art card with MR experiences attached for $8.88
Print Giveaway! You are observing the creation of a full 78 card tarot deck with the XIII exhibition. For updates on the development and chance to win one of a very limited edition of 13 block prints of the Three of Swords, follow this link to send me your email: https://giantswitch.com/contact
XIII v2.0 Augmented and Mixed Reality Experiences:
X: Rota Fortunae
Scan the QR Code associated with the exhibition artwork or art card to reveal a larger than life version of this ancient spherical astrolabe, floating in space in reference to its celestial way-finding.
Despite the XIII title inference, the spherical astrolabe is the focal point of this exhibition, a mysterious mechanical gauge of astrology created in 1480, and it resides at the History of Science Museum, University of Oxford. This spherical astrolabe is the only complete example of its kind to survive. It was used to make astronomical calculations and is of Eastern Islamic origin. It has been an inspiration for this tarot deck, and in specific for the card: X. Rota Fortunae, known for the unpredictable nature of Fate.
Scan the QR codes on site at the James Bay exhibition in Victoria to experience a 3D augmented reality and magnified version of this enigma up close, and in person.
VII: The Chariot
In the 1930s, horses were swapped out for motorcycles, and the Roman sport of chariot racing was re-imagined. Actual footage of Motorcycle Chariot Racing at the NSW POLICE CARNIVAL in 1936 can be found at the following link:
Scan the QR Code associated with the exhibition artwork or art card to reveal a life-sized motorcycle chariot. Assume command of the reins, or have a friend hop on for a photo op.
Photo archive:
XIII: The Card with No Name
Scan the QR Code associated with the exhibition artwork or art card to reveal a life-sized version of the artwork in MR, allowing for the ideal selfie or photo op for a friend.
The concept started with a sketch, and eventually found its way into Vancouver’s Yaletown district as public art at Mainland and Davie. XIII represents change, and in this artwork, a transformation that a singer evokes when they get behind the microphone.
The XIII Exhibition origins:
Inspired by the Marseille and Sola Busca tarot decks from the 15th to 18th centuries, the XIII exhibition takes its name from the card for death which is unnamed in many tarot decks as the broader meaning implies change or new beginnings.
For centuries, enthusiasts have taken the imagery associated with tarot cards and drawn deep symbolism from the various forms to a degree that readings of these artworks can have a direct and sometimes polarising effect. Originally, the tarot were hand-painted collections,eventually brought to the masses with the development of wood-block prints. This exhibition combines the two approaches to create a unique and historic tribute to the original collected forms of the tarot. The figures used are drawn from parables and the designs are inspired by local surroundings. The large studies suggest a block-print technique, and are embellished with copper leaf. The application of the mediums is kept very loose, allowing the watercolours to exhibit some of their best qualities of randomness, and retain the feel of the printing methods used in the original block-printed cards of the past, which were all hand-coloured by young apprentices.
As in most artwork, and especially the tarot, the interpretation can be very personal, perhaps particularly so with the artwork titled XIII, or The Card That Has No Name.
XIII v2.0 is on exhibition from May 27th to August 26th 2025 at the sxʷeŋ'xʷəŋ taŋ'exw James Bay Public Library in Victoria, BC, Canada
