In this episode of our 2021 video series, multidisciplinary South African artist Umlilo forwards these questions to the universe and puts a few tarot cards on the table.

2020 is undoubtedly a year we will never forget. The beginning of a new decade and era was overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging societies across the world. Hospitals were overwhelmed, borders were shut, economies shut down and people were left devastated by the rising numbers of deaths and illnesses in every country. Artists suffered a great deal and yet there were still many stories of inspiration and hope despite experiencing the most difficult year of our lifetime.

This commissioned piece titled 2021: A Tarotscope Reading looks to the cosmos for an inspirational message for 2021. The pandemic is still rearing its nasty head with second waves across the world, new strains that have put many countries on lockdown including South Africa. This reading provides some astrological insight into the Age of Aquarius, which began on December 21^st, 2020,when the great conjunction occurred between Saturn and Jupiter, a feat that took 400 years to happen. This signifies a new era of expansion, growth, and coherence.

Umlilo embarked on a tarotscope reading which presented sixcards that help guide us in 2021. These cards symbolize different meanings and aspirations and are as follows: The Star, Temperance, Death, The Magician, The High Priestess, and the 7 of Pentacles. The video is an abstract meditation with music and narration by Umlilo who also acts as a model for each card taken by photographer Snethemba Mnguni and artistic director Ndi Makaulule. Umlilo and the team responded to the readings by recreating an afro-futuristic multi-media photoshoot to capture the world of tarot.

Credits

Costume, make-up, and styling: Umlilo
Photography and videography: Snethemba Mnguni (SJP photography)
Additional photography and videography: Ndi Makaulule
Music and narration: Umlilo
Editing: Umlilo

Sinethemba Mnguni is a South African born artist and crafts man, mostly known as SJ Photography for his artistic work. He prides himself with the way in which he tells his stories through contemporary photography art work. Despite his engineering background, art is one of his favourite sports. He has work with a lot of artists in in Johannesburg, both for commercial and creative work. Follow him on his Website, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Ndi Makaulule is a designer and creative director from Johannesburg. She has diverse experience in production, curation, and conceptualisation in both design and art. With almost ten years experience in the corporate design space, she aims to focus on more creative independent projects, collaborating with artists and designers across multiple mediums. Follow her on Instagram or Linkedin.