New Exhibit: The Querent, by Catherine J.S
First Floor
In tarot, a deck of 78 cards used for self reflection, spiritual guidance, and divination or the interpretation of omens, the querent is the questioner – one who pursues knowledge or insight into their current state of being and / or their future life. From its origins in mid-fifteenth century Northern Italy, to present-day practices all over the world, tarot is a popular trick-taking game that lends educational perspective on critical thinking, visual literacy, and storytelling.
On display from April 20th through June 29th is a series of artworks, made with ink on paper, by Catherine J.S who reimagines the Rider–Waite–Smith system through the lens of hand-drawn dark romantic illustration. The Querent illuminates questions, answers, fable and fantasy, the beautiful and the absurd, the human condition; and our relationship with the world and other worlds – all through the artist's luck of the draw; examination of archetype; research into art; and reflections upon personal experience.
Where: 104b Russell
About the Artist
Working primarily in ink on paper and oil on wood, Catherine draws inspiration from Northern Renaissance printmaking. She is interested in mysticism, historical objects, and animal anatomical art. Every detail carries its own symbolic meaning, coming together to create scenes that feel both intimate and ceremonial.
In her ongoing series Fire River Tarot, Catherine uses tarot as a symbolic system and a mystical language for storytelling. "This series began during a moment of uncertainty, when I asked the cards whether I should draw my own Tarot. And I got The Chariot, a symbol of resolve. It also became the first of the series. Since then, the process has become a personal ritual: before starting each new piece, I draw a card from the evolving deck and let it guide what I draw next.'" Tarot’s archetypes help shape each work—who it depicts, what happens, and the meaning the image carries. -- Catherine J.S
Biography
Catherine J.S (b.2000) is an artist based in New York. Born in China, she spent her teenage years in Australia before settling in New York. She works with drawing, printmaking, and mixed media. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including in Beijing and Shanghai, Melbourne, and multiple New York venues (The BLANC Gallery, Macy Art Gallery, SVA Chelsea Gallery), with an upcoming solo exhibition in New York in 2026.
Education
Columbia University, New York, US
MA - Art and Art Ed - 2024-2026
School of Visual Arts, New York, US
BFA, Illustration (Honor Graduation), 2020-2024
SVA Destinations Program (Art History Department), Paris, Summer 2022
China Academy of Arts, Hangzhou, China
Printmaking Department, Summer 2023
Acknowledgement
The Querent is designed by Kai Oh, Library Associate and made possible through the continuing generosity of the Myers Foundations.
Where: First Floor
When: April 20th - June 29th
Cards, Conversation, and Reception: Thursday, April 30th, 4-6pm (104b Russell)
Poster Image from The Hierophant, by Catherine J.S
Original Artwork: Ink on Paper
2026
Upright: Tradition, Spiritual Guidance
Reversed: Rebellion, Non-Conformity
