Art Galleries in New York's Subway

Art Galleries in New York's Subway

Post
Subscribe

Posted 2011-02-16 by Dora Bonafollow
The mosaic artworks and sculptures adorning the walls, floors and ceilings of the New York Subway system are remarkable works of creative expression. In all shapes and sizes the art consists of murals of glass, ceramic or stone mosaic. You'll see stained glass windows and walls, conceptual art and installation art. Some will stop you in your tracks. Most are a photographer's delight. All will reflect the vibrant, eclectic, societal melting pot that is New York City.

In 1985, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority began the Arts For Transit Program. The idea was to create specific works of art in the subways of New York, that reflected the individual communities around them. Some well known, and some unknown artists in and around New York were commissioned to create them, and in the 25 years since it began, the program has seen hundreds of amazing artworks appear in almost every subway station.



"Ocular", made in 1998 is the artwork you'll see all over the Chambers Street/World Trade Centre subway station. Created by Kristin Jones and Andrew Ginzel, there are around 300 mosaic eyes, based on photographs of actual human eyes.



"Revelers" completed in 2008 by artist Jane Dickson, is a collection of around 60 mosaics of people blowing party horns, wearing party hats and celebrating life along the walls of the passageway from Times Square to Port Authority.



One of the most spectacular stations is the 81st Street subway at The Museum of Natural History. It celebrates the exhibits in the museum by hosting an array of giant marching ants, exotic tropical frogs, komodo dragons and other strange reptiles, hanging bats and huge ladybugs, just to name a few.



On the 14th Street subway station at 8th Avenue you'll be rendered speechless by the sculptures of Tom Otterness, in an ensemble called "Life Underground".

As an amateur photographer, and freelance writer, my brain suffers creative overload every time I visit New York. I can't adequately describe my love for the city, (who can?) so I try to capture and document it visually. The subway art lifts my heart, so if you haven't really taken much notice then just spend a day riding the subways. You won't be disappointed.

#fun_things_to_do
%wnnewyork
112237 - 2023-06-12 16:14:08

Tags

Outdoor
Free
Festivals
Music
Nightlife
Markets
Family_friendly
Fundraisers
Educational
Holiday
Services
Fun_things_to_do
Food_wine
Manhattan
Restaurants
Copyright 2022 OatLabs ABN 18113479226