Emily Goss
The Cards We’ve Been Dealt
Ever since last year we have all experienced surreal events. From taking on a global pandemic to human rights issues, from a presidential election to a Capitol raid, we have seen quite a lot of torment. These issues have defined this year and the different directions we have taken. Is it fate? Or is it the choices we make? Maybe it’s both.
In my work, I want to highlight the major issues we have dealt with in 2020 and into the new year, by examining the cards we were dealt and reflecting on what we did with them. I chose tarot cards as inspiration for my prints due to the way that they play into our fate and the choices we make daily. Tarot cards have specific meanings when upright or reversed, so my prints are interactive for this reason. When a card is upright, it is the direct interpretation. The Fool for example represents blissful ignorance. When The Fool is reversed, it represents outright neglect of caution.
Now, it is your turn. I want to confront you with the choices you had to make and the issues that brought them. As you are viewing each card, turn them upright or reversed to align with your views on the event. Yes, the election may be over and COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed, but there are still those who continue to choose one viewpoint over the other no matter the outcome. Fate is based on the paths you choose in life. Choose wisely.
Thesis Committee Members 
- Professor Jacob Crook, Chair
- Professor Sophie Glenn
- Professor Lori Neuenfeldt
Death
Intaglio on Hahnemühle Copperplate Paper, 6”x9”, 2021, $200
Death is pictured as a hooded figure with a hand placed on a faceless figure in a crowd covered in sickly, green fog. They are between buildings in a street. The word “Death” is at the bottom of the image.
The Chariot
Intaglio on Hahnemühle Copperplate Paper, 6”x9”, 2021, $200
A black man is raising his fist in protest for the lives lost to police brutality. There are words in the background saying “DON’T SHOOT” and “The Chariot” at the bottom of the image.
The Tower
Intaglio on Hahnemühle Copperplate Paper, 6”x9”, 2021, $200
The Capitol building on fire with smoke surrounding it. Crowds in front of the building are participating in protest and raiding with Trump signs and flags. “The Tower” is at the bottom of the image.
The Fool
Intaglio and Watercolor on Hahnemühle Copperplate Paper, 6”x9”, 2020, $200
Uncle Sam is pictured holding a burning ballot walking off a cliff. The words “The Fool” are at the bottom of the image.
Justice
Intaglio and Watercolor on Hahnemühle Copperplate Paper, 6”x9”, 2021, $200
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is pictured in front of a red tapestry between two columns. She is holding a sword and scales while wearing her lace white collar. “Justice” is at the bottom of the image.
The Emperor Biden
Intaglio on Hahnemühle Copperplate Paper, 6”x9”, 2020, $200
Biden is pictured sitting on a throne with ram heads and holding the rod of life. There is blue colored in this tie, shirt, and the sky. “The Emperor” is at the bottom of the image.
The Emperor Trump
Intaglio and Watercolor on Hahnemühle Copperplate Paper, 6”x9”, 2020, $200
Trump is pictured sitting on a throne with ram heads. The rod of life is behind him in his seat. There is red colored in this tie, shirt, and the mountains. “The Emperor” is at the bottom of the image.