De Saint Phalle’s journey with art began as a means of healing, following her time in a psychiatric asylum in the early 1950s. She was a 22-year-old wife, mother, and former fashion model, but she found her true passion in art, which she believed restored her sanity. Inspired by Antoni Gaudí’s Park Güell in Barcelona, de Saint Phalle envisioned her Tarot Garden as a “joyland”—an alternate reality where people could experience freedom and healing.
Her work on the garden spanned over two decades, driven by her belief in art’s ability to connect people to the unknown, much like tarot cards do in divination.
The Tarot Garden serves as a bridge between artistic expression and the exploration of the unknown. Through her use of playful yet deeply symbolic imagery, de Saint Phalle created a space where visitors could lose themselves in both art and spirituality.
The garden’s paths are inscribed with philosophical quotes, inviting introspection as visitors meander through the mystical figures of tarot brought to life. In this way, the garden parallels the journey of tarot, inviting people to dive into the depths of the unconscious and discover hidden truths within themselves.
For more info about this incredible piece of art – visit HERE