NYC Streams: MTA

When one goes into the subway station, it very rarely is in the objective to wander, look at the architecture, or hear a performer trying to make a few bucks. The subway is dirty, broiling in the summer and freezing in the winter. Around rush hour it is full of travelers moving in all different directions so it is understandable why someone would want to spend as little time as possible in the underground tunnels. But as everyone is rushing to catch the subway in order to get to street level as quick as possible, many are unaware of the unique art that can be found in some stations. Oftentimes blending into the dirt and grime that is the MTA, it is easy to overlook each station’s unique attributes, even I had trouble seeing when I knew what to be looking for.

Many might not realize, but Astor Place station in the Lower East Side holds a historical significance. The station while small and only used for the Lexington Avenue line, is named after John Jacob Astor, a man who created a fortune in the beaver pelt trade. In honor of Astor’s trademark, the station is lined with beavers across the back wall. Even though I was looking specifically for the beaver, the art blended in with the rest of the subway surroundings so well I almost overlooked it. Years later, the art plays homage to the great John Jacob Astor and his prosperous beaver pelt business.

When Coney Island was first built up, it became an easy escape from the chaos of Manhattan. New Yorkers who couldn’t afford to travel far could easily hop over to Coney Island, enjoy the beach, boardwalk, and eventually amusement rides. It only makes sense that the subway station in Coney Island would reflect the island’s whimsy and fun escape. “My Coney Island Baby” created by Robert Wilson in 2004 can be found as you walk through the Stillwell Avenue terminal. The giant piece of art boasts bright animated colors, a giant hotdog playing homage to the birthplace of Nathan’s, a girl on a carousel horse, as well as pieces that touch into the island’s residential neighborhoods. The beautiful piece is silk screened onto glass bricks and is makes the colors bright and bold as the sun shines during the day, while illuminating the piece with a glow at night.

The 42nd Street Times Square station is possibly the most busiest station in Manhattan due to it’s location and the many lines that run through it. Walking through, I see travellers bustling about and going in every direction, I’m curious if they see the artwork surrounding them. One piece was created by Roy Lichtenstein in 1994 and is a mural portrait of a futuristic New York. The piece resembles something that might come out of comic book with bright red and yellow colors, and visual references to the 1939 and 1964 New York World's Fairs. Another piece I found intriguing was a sort of mosaic displaying a “42” with people inside the numbers which is probably the most well known numbered street in the city.

I wasn’t even looking for art when I happened upon a little gold sculpture in the 14th Street station on 8th Avenue. I looked down and saw a little man and woman holding a token in the corner of the station. I was delighted by the adorableness and was even more excited that I kept seeing more and more of this interesting characters. In a way, they blend into the surrounding by depicting real people in various acts and positions, but are whimsical and endearing at the same time. The sculptures were created by Tom Otterness and the installation is called “Life Underground.” While the statues may seem cute and tiny, in truth the artist had a darker idea in mind when creating them and wanted to describe the realities of New York life and social anarchy.

I can't help but find them to be so adorable. 

Bryant Park is situated behind the glorious New York Public Library and is a quintessential park offering free outdoor movies on Monday evenings in the summer, free board games and reading section, and a few food vendors. Not far from the park is the Bryant Park station which is home to the largest piece of artwork in the MTA system. The piece, created by Sam Kunse in 2002, is titled “Under Bryant Park” and is a mosaic featuring water pipes, tree roots and branches and rocks which are meant to represent the different systems found in nature and our society. On part of the mosaic there is a quote that states “Nature must not win the game” which quite frankly I don’t understand because I think nature should always be above everything else and is the most vital part of our civilization and survival.