“MAU: a Tarot Collection” on exhibit May 13-18 at the CSUF Leo Freedman Gallery,  is the culminating solo exhibition of artist Nicole Yang’s most recent two-year long illustration project, diving into divination.

A professional illustrator, designer, and educator, Yang’s work has a hypnotic aesthetic that is innovative and whimsical. She has created a variety of work in her career so far, but M A U is the largest project to date for Yang, having spent the last two years exploring the history of divination and its design aesthetics, while experimenting with innovative techniques and expanding her creative skills. This body of work is the culmination of her mastery of illustration and propels her forward into the future of illustration and design with the magic of tarot by her side.

The imagery in M A U pulls from symbolism and narratives within the longstanding tradition of divination with a unique contemporary slant, utilizing the modern aesthetic and representation of many, many cats.

With Yang’s fascination and dedication to studying decaying plant matter and how that plant matter can influence pigment heavily inform her color and textures, which are highlighted in her creations. These textures were then scanned and used as overlays. The tedious process involves harvesting various leaves and flowers and experimenting with their tannin content. The original texture prints will also be on display.

Exhibition Hours: May 13 – 17, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm; May 18, 2:00 – 4:00 pm