The Abortion Trading Cards Projects
Art card decks and altered books by Alexandra Jamieson
Abortion Trading Cards: Because Abortion Access Is Not a Game
$19.99
ORDER HERE at RowHousePublishers.com
In a compelling portrayal of a dystopian future, where abortion care is illegal, individuals clandestinely exchange hand-altered playing card decks. The Abortion Trading Cards deck stands as a powerful representation of this vision.
Mark the 51st anniversary of the landmark Roe v Wade decision with a limited first edition release of the revolutionary Abortion Trading Cards deck, crafted by renowned artist and activist, Alexandra Jamieson.
This accessible art collection that fits in the palm of your hand aims to ignite thoughtful discussions surrounding one of society's most controversial and critically important topics.
Immerse yourself in this extraordinary deck, meticulously researched and adorned with stunning illustrations that showcase myriad perspectives and historical contexts.
Abortion Trading Cards from Alexandra Jamieson at Row House Publishers
Complementing the deck is a booklet brimming with thought-provoking writing and prompts for all 36 cards. Whether you're an educator seeking to encourage critical thinking or an individual yearning for a profound understanding, the Abortion Trading Cards deck provides a platform for engaging in meaningful discussions about reproductive rights and the complexities of personal choice.
Join us on this journey as we embrace knowledge, empathy, and respectful exchange, artfully woven together in this masterfully crafted deck. Let's come together and make a difference by fostering open dialogue and understanding surrounding this vital societal issue.
What’s included:
36 full-color trading cards (2.5x3.5), each with an original design printed on the front and back
72-page booklet with instructions and card descriptions
privacy-conscious packaging for subverting nefarious onlookers
15% of proceeds benefit Brigid Alliance, a referral-based service that provides travel food lodging child care and other logistical support for people seeking abortions.
Published by 100 Block by Row House
INSPIRATION
Created by artist, activist-historian, and Gen X Goth Girl Alexandra Jamieson, the 36-card Abortion Trading Card deck was created in 2023 in response to the ongoing attack on abortion rights in the United States. Drawing from history, herbalist lore, feminist art, and the Constructivist Art movement, every courage-building deck donates profits to abortion care organizations like The Brigid Alliance.
The Abortion Trading Cards imagine a dystopian future where all abortion, sexual education, and reproductive healthcare is illegal. Information has been forced underground, and pregnant people secretly share information about abortifacient herbs, anatomy, and abortion history using decks of hand-altered playing cards. They were purposefully made to look and feel as if they had been “traded” amongst hundreds of hands, passed in secret from one person to the next. Hand-written notes and arcane symbols share camouflaged clues that have been forgotten or lost.
PRESS FOR ABORTION TRADING CARDS
FEMINIST FOUNDERS FEATURE STORY
“SWEATING THROUGH MY SHIRT” BY ALEXANDRA JAMIESON
“ART AS ACTIVISM” Interview on MSN.com Joel Gratcyk 3/22/24
Alex’s interview about The Abortion Trading Cards on Speaking Light Into Abortion Podcast with Amanda Kingsley LISTEN HERE
Conversation about Abortion Trading Cards on Here’s Why With Kevin Ortega Rojas WATCH HERE
“JANIE APPLESEED’S ABORTION GARDENS BOOK”
This collage project is a thought-provoking and visually striking altered book that delves into the history and complexities of abortion. Inspired by the need to explore the multifaceted narratives surrounding reproductive rights, the book takes readers on a journey imagining an anonymous woman known as “Janie Appleseed” who walks across the North American 40th Parallel planting secret gardens in byways, graveyards, and deserted fields. The premise centers around the idea of intertwining historical knowledge with contemporary discourse, challenging readers to confront the nuances of this contentious topic.
The creative process of "Abortion Gardens" is a meticulous blend of art and research. The author meticulously sourced vintage papers, images, and documents from various periods to provide an authentic glimpse into the past attitudes and perceptions surrounding abortion. Through the art of collage, these materials were combined to construct visually captivating pages that immerse readers in the evocative history of reproductive choices. Additionally, the book features interactive elements, such as flaps that ingeniously conceal real seeds from abortion-inducing plants like American Pennyroyal, Mugwort, and Safflower. This innovative approach to storytelling further encourages readers to engage with the book, fostering a profound connection to the subject matter and promoting empathy and understanding.
"Abortion Gardens" emerged as an exploration of abortion's historical context, weaving together herbalism, feminism, and guerilla gardening. By employing the medium of altered books and interactive elements like Google Maps, the book transcends traditional narratives, making it an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding reproductive rights and the deeply-rooted history of human choices.
Abortion Gardens on Google MapsJanie Appleseed's Abortion Gardens