Smoke & Mirrors: First Human Last Machine Gilded Twin Pack Playing Cards by D&D

“The First Human” emerges as an abstract continuation of the Smoke & Mirror series. This red edition introduces striking visuals and dualistic ideas of human versus machine while accelerating the warm aura first established with v6 Rouge (2011).

What does it mean to be a human cardist? Playing cards are fine-tuned to the anatomy of the human hand. Cultural significance and symbols are scattered throughout the courts, pips and numbers. Revisiting these seemingly obvious facts — and either embracing or challenging them — may lead us to better understand the current state and future potential of our art form.

“The Last Machine” emerges as an abstract continuation of the Smoke & Mirror series. This blue edition introduces striking visuals and dualistic ideas of man versus machine while accelerating the mechanical aura first established with v5 Denim in 2010.

What happens when the shuffling machine becomes self-aware? Cardistry is likely one of the last skills to be automated due to its hyper-specialized and creative nature. But imagining the alternative — a world in which self-aware shuffling machines overtake our passion — may lead to us better understanding the current state and future potential of our art form. This is a tribute to the shuffling machine.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Co. on our propriety Crushed Stock using vibrant Pantone colors and detailed imagery. Packaged inside a matte red tuck box enclosure with intricate preview windows and silver foil.

Edition of 2500 split between dealersgrip and Dan and Dave. One thousand one hundred fifty individual decks and 100 Gilded Twin Packs are being offered for sale here.