Modern Selves
The Ohio Project (8)
1999
Nikki S. Lee. American, born Korea
Analise missed her home. Not her current home. The small trailer she lived out of by herself. But her real home. The one she had lived in with her family until the age of 16, with the real hallways and rooms and backyard. Now her backyard was the trailer park. She made the best of it, and worked various jobs, but it seemed to never matter much. She just hoped that she would be able to go back home eventually.
The 5 of pentacles represents financial loss, poverty, isolation, and worry. Reversed, the card represents recovery from financial loss.
Here
1987
Member of Gilbert & George British
As a young boy, Bert always wanted to start his own business. Being someone's employee was beneath him, but being a manager, an owner, - that was right up his alley. Rising to the top was easy, he knew exactly what to do with his business at all times. With the nice suits and ties, Bert was always looking his best for his business. Whether he had to be a bit brutal to get to his position or not, he still had his success, right?
The King of Pentacles represents wealth, business, leadership, security, discipline, and abundance. Reversed, it can mean: financially inept, obsessed with wealth and status, and stubborn.
Untitled #87
1981
Cindy Sherman American
The relationship had ended 3 months ago. Carrie lost her love, her friends, and even her apartment all in one fell swoop. She had no idea that it would end this way, no idea that it would end at all. Yet here she was, laying on the floor, feeling empty with her feelings. Would it ever end?
The 10 of swords represents painful endings, deep wounds, betrayal, loss, and crisis. Reversed, it means: recovery, regeneration, and resisting an inevitable end.
[Self-Portrait]
ca. 1927
Paul Outerbridge Jr. American
Edgar knew this would be hilarious. Dressing up in a funny costume to accept his award. He knew everyone would love it as much as he did. Even his wife laughed as he slapped the fake moustache on his face. He had worked hard for this. Constantly staying at work late, skipping lunches, pushing for his ideas to be heard. It definitely helped that his ideas were hilarious. Finally he got what he wanted, and he would get a good laugh in while he was at it.
The magician represents manifestation, resourcefulness, power, and inspired action.
Sitting on the Wall: Haikou V
2001
Weng Fen Chinese
Grace always lived far outside the city. Just close enough though that she could always see the city skyline. Her parents forbid her from going into the city, worried about the dangers within. When Grace was 18, sick and tired of her parents' restrictions, and curious about the outside world, she hopped a train and moved to the city.
The Fool is characterized as innocence, a free spirit, and spontaneity. Upside down the card reads: holding back, recklessness, and risk-taking.
Couple at Squaredance
2010
Debbie Grossman American
Hannah just wanted to dance. Her mother danced, hell, her mother was dancing right now. Hannah was just too scared. She watched her mother jumping around with their neighbor, Lettie, and felt a pang of jealousy as she watched her mother's huge smile grow even bigger. Minutes later, her mother would pull her onto the dance floor and jump around with her daughter, making everything right.
The 8 of wands represents movement, faced paced change, and action. Reversed, the card means delays, frustration, and resisting change.
Jessie Evans-Whinery, Homesteader, with Her Wife Edith Evans-Whinery and Their Baby
2010
Debbie Grossman American
Ingrid was happiest when she was with her family. She had just had her first baby, three more would come over the next five years. Her wife was perfect and they worked together to make their house a home. She was in love with her wife and the resilience she had shown through the whole endeavor, and she was in love with their new child. It was perfect.
The 2 of cups signifies unified love, partnership, and mutual attraction.
The Fae and Doris Caudill Family Eating Dinner in Their Dugout
2010
Debbie Grossman American
Janine had forgotten about how special family dinners were. As she sat down with her own kids, she remembered how perfect it was to sit down with her mothers and eat the steaming hot, home-cooked dinner with her siblings. Sometimes they fought over who got the last drop of gravy, but overall it was a warm and happy time. She hoped to leave the same mark on her daughters.
The 10 of cups represents divine love, blissful relationships, harmony, and family.
Self Portrait, 1976
2003
Samuel Fosso
Kurt had a plan. Heck, he always had a plan. He was going to be famous. He just needed a way to get there. He had his guitar. He had his voice. That was all he needed. It would get him there and he would do whatever it takes.
The chariot represents, control, willpower, success, action, and determination.
