Have you ever noticed as you navigate your way through New York’s subways that the beautiful artwork in the city isn’t always above ground? Take a moment before you make another mad dash for the subway and experience a first-rate art museum at most any stop, comprised of works created in mosaic, terra cotta, bronze, glass, mixed media and sculpture. This artwork is all created by the MTA Arts & Design program established in 1985 when the subway system was making a concerted effort to reverse years of decline. Arts & Design commissions public art that is seen by the hundreds of thousands of city-dwellers, commuters, national and international visitors who travel by the New York City Transit system every day. As the MTA rehabilitates subway stations it uses a portion of its funds to commission permanent works of art. Arts & Design projects create links to neighborhoods with art that echoes the architectural history and design of the individual stations locations.
There are over 280 stations with artwork. Some of my favorites are:
Carrying On, by artist Janet Zweig and Edward Del Rosario at the Prince Street station (R train)
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Carrying On is composed of almost two hundred silhouettes of people hauling “stuff” with them as they walk the streets of NY. Begun after the 9/11 tragedy, it represents New Yorkers literally ‘carrying on’ with their lives. The artists worked from photos of individuals moving about, in and out of the subway, always carrying something, from the sublime to the ridiculous (think surf board). The result is a linear narrative work of miniature figures, each of whom has a story to tell. The materials used are water jet-cut steel and marble, giving the artwork a clean modern look.
Broadway Diary, by artist Timothy Snell at the 8th Street-NYU station (R train)
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Artist Tim Snell says, “the mosaic is composed of 40 portholes that depict scenes and historic sites of the neighborhood (Grace Church, Washington Arch, Cooper Union, Astor Place) The artwork is spread out in an architectural format throughout the station integrating the artwork with the space.
Memories of Twenty-Third Street, by artist Keith Goddard at the 23rd Street station (R train)
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From the 1800’s through the 1920’s, 23rd Street was a major vaudeville, entertainment and cultural district. “Ladies Mile”, the fashion and department store haven of the time, was located nearby. In his mosaic Memories of 23rd Street, Keith Goddard represents this area through the various hats pedestrians sported back in the day. Both everyday citizens and prominent celebrities of the time (Oscar Wild, Eleanor Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, Sarah Bernhardt, Houdini) are highlighted.
Alice: The Way Out, by artist Liliana Porter at the 50th Street station (1 train)
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In the series of mosaic panels, titled Alice: The Way Out, Liliana Porter’s silhouetted figures portray characters from Lewis and Carroll’s iconic novel “Alice in Wonderland”. The artwork echo’s the stage craft found in theaters nearby. The artist evokes the idea of the theatrical and connects it all with the experience of being underground, just as Alice was during her adventures.
The Revelers, by artist Jane Dickson at the Times Square-42nd Street station
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Long known as the crossroads of the world, Times Square is famous for many things, most notably it’s crowds, especially during the spirited celebration each New Year’s Eve. Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and visitors from around the world gather to watch the ball drop, ushering in the first day of the new year. In The Revelers, 70 expressive, life-size figures, each depicted in some form of motion (walking, dancing, linking arms) are seen enjoying themselves and celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square.
Bear in mind that listed above we’ve only mentioned five featured subway stations. There are at least 275 more! If you are interested in seeing the art up close and personal, consider taking the NYC Subway Art Tour. Quirky, Bronx-born guide Darryl Reilly will take you on a three hour tour where you will discover the riches of the art underground. Cost is $30 per person.
More info and reservations at http://nycsubwaytour.com