As an artist, Johnny Depp depicts captivating figures from his life, dreams and subconscious mind. Johnny Depp 2024 release, entitled Tarot, draws on tarot’s intriguing iconography. While referencing the ancient deck, the collection is imbued with his own characters and narratives, and imagined in a uniquely symbolic style.

“Why do you want to fight with something that doesn’t want to fight with you?” is the contemplative message etched into the surface of ‘Strength’, as if spoken by the majestic grey elephant that gazes directly at the viewer. The text juxtaposed with the traditional symbol of strength invites on a deeper reflection on how we use our power.

Closely cropped to fit the traditional frame of a tarot card, the giant elephant seems to wear an ancient wisdom on its weathered skin. Depp has depicted it through detailed patterns, sensitively drawn lines and earthy tones, while the animal emerges from a dark background evocative of the night sky, speckled with white stars.

The image of the elephant holds personal relevance for Depp. This artwork is derived from a large-scale painting Johnny created in London while expecting the birth of his first child, Lily-Rose, with Vanessa Paradis. Inspired by the maternal instincts he saw in Paradis during her first steps into motherhood, and reflecting on his own approaching fatherhood, Depp picked up his paintbrushes and depicted the creature on canvas, exploring ideas of inner strength. As he said, he felt that “a veil was lifted” when he became a parent for the first time.

A classic symbol of strength, the elephant is an important animal for Depp who recognises its intrinsic qualities beyond simple power. Depp says: “Elephants are mysterious creatures. They don't live with any sort of menace in their bones. They are incredibly protective of their herd and protect their own to the bitter end”.

Crowned with Depp’s philosophical handwritten question, the elephant stands as a symbol of peace and strength within the artist’s tarot-inspired series.

With hand applied 24ct gold leaf, and silkscreen varnish this is a mixed media hand-signed limited-edition artwork on 640gsm paper with torn edges. Each artwork is signed by Johnny Depp and emboss stamped by hand with Johnny’s personal mark of authenticity, The Bunnyman.

This artwork can also be purchased as part of a framed set or portfolio of four.

Find out more about this collection here or alternatively shop more Johnny Depp art here.