‘Tarot: Wisdom, Power & Identity’ An Exhibition by Women in Custody

‘Tarot: Wisdom, Power & Identity’ is a powerful new exhibition that reimagines the Tarot as a tool for empowerment, healing, and self-discovery through the eyes, experiences, and creativity of women in prison. Created by learners at HMP Styal, HMP New Hall, HMP Low Newton, and HMP Askham Grange, in collaboration with HOME, the project uses the rich symbolic language of Tarot to explore personal identity, collective strength, and the transformative potential of art. 

Learners were invited to choose Tarot cards that resonated with them, whether traditional or self-invented and use these as a starting point to create original artworks. Each piece serves as a reflection of the roles they have played in life; caregiver, fighter, dreamer, survivor and the complex journeys they have taken. The resulting collection is both deeply personal and powerfully collective, revealing stories of inner strength, resilience, and hope. 

Identity and resilience at HMP Low Newton 

At HMP Low Newton, learners focused on the themes of identity and resilience, particularly in the face of adversity. They focused on: 

• The Fighter blends zodiac symbols with personal strength. A lion (Leo) and flowers (Taurus) evoke the artist’s journey through Taekwondo and mental health challenges, symbolising both battle and growth. 
• The Fortune Teller draws on Native American spirituality and intuition, celebrating the enduring power of inner guidance and ancestral wisdom. 

Hope, healing and collective strength at HMP Askham Grange  

The work from HMP Askham Grange reflects a deep sense of community and longing for renewal. They focused on:  

• The Star radiates hope and healing, inspired by the beauty of the Lake District and anchored in love, faith, and a vision of a brighter future. 
• Stand Together in Sisterhood honours women’s unity and compassion, bridging generations and shared struggles. 
• Resilience and Bravery is a deeply personal depiction of survival and transformation, portraying the artist as a powerful, nature-connected figure shaped by trauma, loss, and healing. 

Survival, identity and release at HMP New Hall  

Learners at HMP New Hall took a collective approach, exploring identity and the complex emotional realities of prison life. They focused on:  

• Symbolic masks reveal the hidden and layered experiences of women behind bars. 
• The works confront painful pasts while embracing the possibility of release, emotionally and spiritually through acts of artistic expression, resilience, and hope. 

A journey of self-reflection at HMP Styal 

At Styal, the creative process was intuitive and introspective. Participants selected cards they were emotionally drawn to, using the imagery as a mirror to explore personal thoughts and inner transformation. The resulting pieces offer glimpses into their private worlds, each one a step toward self-awareness and healing. 

Tarot: Wisdom, Power & Identity is more than an art project, it’s a testament to the power of creativity as a lifeline. It highlights how artistic expression can foster connection, provide solace, and empower individuals to reclaim their narratives even within the most challenging environments. 

This exhibition is a collective act of courage and imagination, reminding us that art can be a transformative force, no matter where it is made. 

Visit Tarot: Wisdom, Power & Identity at the HOME Inspire Gallery from Friday 5 September to Sunday 7 December and experience this moving exhibition first-hand. Discover the strength, creativity, and voices of women in prison through a unique reimagining of the Tarot. Don’t miss this powerful celebration of identity, resilience, and transformation.