Description

Design and Artwork

Fenestra Tarot, created by Thai artist Chatriya Hemharnivbul, is a captivating blend of traditional tarot symbolism with cultural and artistic influences ranging from Art Deco to Egyptian, mythology, and Japanese manga. The deck is beautifully illustrated in soft, watercolor, sepia tones, creating an almost autumnal atmosphere. Each card is set in an arched window-like frame, adding a unique architectural element to the artwork. The deck’s art style, combining flowing Art Deco lines with whirling plants and vines, brings movement and a sense of growth to the imagery.

Symbolism and Themes

The Fenestra Tarot follows the Rider-Waite structure but introduces its own distinct flavor through Chatriya’s artistic choices. The characters depicted are ageless and enigmatic, possessing a serene and direct gaze. The deck’s androgynous representation of figures and minimal use of nudity offer a fresh perspective on traditional tarot imagery. The deck’s name, ‘Fenestra’, Latin for ‘window’, complements its theme of offering a view into the mystical and magical.

User Experience

The deck is well-laminated and glossy, with a convenient card size for handling. Each card back features an Art Deco pattern with two roses, designed to be symmetrical for reversals, although a small text indicator is present. The packaging includes a box within a box, with a spreadsheet and a version of the Celtic Cross spread. The accompanying Little White Book (LWB) provides basic meanings and a variation of the Celtic Cross spread but lacks deeper insights from the artist.

About the Author

Chatriya Hemharnivbul, a graduate of LUCA School of Arts in Brussels, is a versatile artist with a Master’s degree in Audiovisual and Visual Arts, Graphic Design, and Illustration. Her career spans from illustrating children’s books to multimedia design. Chatriya’s work is known for exploring other worlds, fairy tales, myths, and personal experiences, often referencing holistic and oriental philosophies. Her art is a critique of Western competitive society, and she currently teaches at the Academy of Art while working on personal projects.

• Artistic Style: Soft watercolor, Art Deco with multicultural influences
• Key Themes: Mystical window into other worlds, traditional tarot with unique cultural blend
• Target Audience: Tarot enthusiasts, admirers of multicultural and artistic tarot decks
• Special Features: Sepia-toned watercolor artwork, window-like frames
• Author Background: Artist and illustrator with a focus on fairy tales, myths, and holistic themes