Empowering Dialogue: Inside Alexandra Jamieson’s Abortion Trading Cards Journey
The Abortion Trading Cards collection provides a thought-provoking insight into a not so imagined future where abortion services are outlawed. This portrayal of a possible future revolves around covert exchanges of custom-modified playing card decks. Celebrate the 51st anniversary of the groundbreaking Roe v Wade ruling and start a conversation with the exclusive debut of the innovative Abortion Trading Cards set, designed by the esteemed artist and activist, Alexandra Jamieson.
I was able to chat with Alexandra Jamieson a bit about the formation of the card set, her goals for it, and what the future of her art might contain. You can see our email exchange below:
What specifically prompted you to do something like this?
I’m a Gen X feminist artist raised by a Second Wave feminist artist, so this project was inevitable. I started a ‘zine in the mid-90s with college friends and my first big article was an investigative story about visiting the local “crisis pregnancy centers” nearby to uncover how they lied to and mistreated vulnerable young women coming in for free pregnancy tests.
How did you come up with this idea?
I was inspired to channel my fear and rage at the Dobbs decision into art, and was exploring “artist trading cards” as a collage practice. This became the Abortion Trading Cards. The 36-card deck imagines a dystopian future where pregnant people are forced to secretly trade abortion information, herbal lore, and history on a hand-altered deck of cards as a way to help each other maintain some bodily autonomy in a US where abortion is 100% illegal.
How has the product been received?
The Abortion Trading Cards have caused extreme reactions from people: some are excited and inspired by the project, buying additional decks for young women in their lives. Others are outraged and disgusted, calling me a murderer.
What do you hope the card game accomplishes?
The deck comes with a small booklet which features a prompt with each card, meant to inspire critical thinking about reproductive activism, and encourage people to stand up for abortion rights, especially in the 2024 Election Cycle. This is the only issue that matters to me in this election.
Do you plan a follow up product?
Yes, The Fascism Tarot Deck will debut this summer, leading up to the 2024 election.
Are you associated with Brigid Alliance? How did you get connected with them?
I was acquainted with the original Managing Director of the Brigid Alliance through mutual friends. When I started the publishing process, I knew I wanted to use the ATC deck to raise money for their work. I emailed their outreach team and began a conversation. Many nonprofits have some kind of process for artists to raise money for them. Now I’m the co-curator of their annual fundraiser which will feature work from artists around the US this May.
How did you land the publishing deal you did with 100 Block by Row
House?
I know the publisher Rebekah Borucky, and we have collaborated on projects in the past. She is a social justice activist, and was excited about the artwork itself. It was her suggestion that Row House take zero profits so we can donate more of the sales to The Brigid Alliance.
What other sorts of professional activities do you do and do you have a favorite?
I’m also a creative leadership coach and consultant with Changeforce.ai to CEO track women in Tech and and female founders. I host small group retreats where we use creative experiences to make them even better problem solvers.
You can order the Abortion Trading Cards set here:
https://www.rowhousepublishing.com/store/p/abortion-trading-cards
Do you have an Abortion Trading Cards set? What do you think of this project?
Let me know in the comments and on social.
