My thesis research was inspired by a large collection of daily photos taken at New York City subway stations on my phone. As someone who studies and lives in New York City, my daily commute relies on the more than 690 miles of track’s subway system. More or less, on the platforms and mezzanines, I notice elaborate and distinctive tile mosaics, eye-catching sculptures, or unexplained installations. Many times I would just open the camera app and take a picture of it, but that's about it - as most commuters do, we all notice and appreciate these art pieces scattered around the subway stations, but rarely do we get any further - because we are often in a hurry to get to the next destination and the views that pass by are often hastily framed in a walkabout.
A bold new vision to transform the way New Yorkers and visitors alike engage with the rich artistic and cultural heritage hidden within the city's iconic subway system. Through Augmented Reality, immersive location-based interactions, and collaboration with the MTA and talented public artists, our mission is to create an unforgettable experience that will breathe new life into your daily commute.
Imagine turning your ordinary subway journey into an exhilarating adventure, unlocking the captivating stories, art, and artifacts that lie beneath the bustling streets of New York City. As you embark on this interactive exploration of historical subway stations like Union Square and Times Square, you'll not only become a detective, piecing together the mysteries of the past, but also an artist, expressing your unique perspective through a variety of creative mediums.
But this is just the beginning. With ongoing support from the MTA and public artists, "Discover Underground" will constantly evolve, featuring fresh updates on art and artifacts every month or season. Plus, participants can reap exciting rewards like weekly passes and monthly pass lotteries, making the experience even more enticing.
Are you ready to see the New York subway stations like never before? Join us on this groundbreaking journey and experience a whole new level of connection to the city we all love and appreciate. Let the adventure begin!
New York City's subway system is a treasure trove of art and history, hosting an “underground museum” with over 330 artworks, including permanent installations and temporary exhibitions (MTA Arts & Design, 2023; nycsubway.org, 2023). Enthusiasts and communities have documented at least 351 works on websites such as nycsubway.org (2023), while the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has established the MTA Arts and Design agency to commission and manage contemporary art throughout the subway system (MTA Arts & Design, 2023). However, despite the vast array of artworks and historical artifacts underground, most subway passengers remain unaware of these treasures.
”For many years the most underrated art museum in New York City has also, oddly, been the one with by far the most visitors, millions a day: the subway system. ” (Kennedy, 2012). There are so many beautiful works of art, but they're hidden in plain sight. One YouTube user commented on a video showcasing subway art and remnants, "I've been using the subway for years and never knew there were so many amazing pieces!" (Travel In New York, 2021). Another user shared their experience on the art installation “Reach: New York” by Christopher Janney (Janney, 1995), stating, "I never thought there was a technology hidden on the subway station to put your palm on to play music. I am a New Yorker, and I was never aware of this, to be honest. " (Here Be Barr, 2023).
The MTA Arts & Design's mission is to create meaningful connections between stations, neighborhoods, and the diverse ridership through artistic activities, including permanent art, posters, photography installations, digital art, live musical performances, and the Poetry in Motion program (MTA Arts & Design, 2023). The subway system has been described as an "underground museum of American art," with a collection that is one of the largest and most diverse in the world (Bloodworth and Ayres, 2014).
Moreover, communities and individuals have documented and shared various artworks on platforms such as YouTube (Travel In New York, 2021 - 2023; James and Karla, 2020; The Megan Daily, 2023; Here Be Barr, 2018, 2023). These content creators have helped raise awareness about the subway's hidden gems and generated appreciation and curiosity among viewers. As one YouTube user observed, "I never thought the subway could be so beautiful" (Here Be Barr, 2018).
However, despite these efforts and the widespread interest in the subway's art and history, a significant problem remains: many people tend to ignore these works and lack an approach to learning more about them (Kennedy, 2012). In a survey conducted at the "Framing Union Square" installation (Miss, 1992), 82% of local commuters who expressed curiosity about the artwork had never actually investigated it further (Author's survey). One respondent lamented, "I always wondered about the story behind the art, but I never knew where to find more information" (Author's survey). A YouTube user commenting on a short video introducing “Framing Union Square” also expressed their curiosity but “never got close and always thought it was little peepholes for people to look through even though it didn’t make much sense” (The Megan Daily, 2023). Similarly, another user resonates with his experience in childhood seeing the sculptures “Life Underground” by Tom Otterness (Fisher, 1996), “Growing up, we never knew the name of the artist who made them, so my dad affectionately nicknamed the sculptures 'Nebbishes'” (James and Karla, 2020).
This discrepancy between the wealth of artistic treasures in the subway system and the public's limited awareness and engagement with them points to a critical need for better accessibility, education, and promotion. By addressing this issue, we can help ensure that the subway's vast collection of art and history is appreciated and enjoyed by a wider audience, enriching the daily lives of millions of New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Public art plays a vital role in public spaces, acting as a medium for communication and reflection that encourages democratic participation, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging (Deutsche, 1998). Ideally, public art should be created with a public purpose, taking into account input from the public and the specific location where it is displayed (Bloodworth and Ayres, 2014). While public art doesn't necessarily have to be narrative or didactic, it should engage with the public, setting a mood or provoking thought, and contributing to the public sphere where individuals engage in debate and discussion (Deutsche, 1998).
Despite the importance of public art in promoting democratic ideals and fostering civic engagement, the publicity of art in subway stations appears to be diminishing. The rich collection of public art in the subway system has failed to constitute a public due to limited attention and engagement from commuters, as evidenced by the lack of participation in the public sphere surrounding public art. Consequently, the potential for these artworks to contribute to a vibrant and inclusive urban environment remains largely untapped.
Ironically, aboveground locations such as Union Square are far more successful in engaging the public and fostering a sense of community (Merwood-Salisbury, 2009; Zukin, 2009) than their underground counterparts. For example, the public installation of sculptures representing George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and John Lewis in Union Square attracted crowds who interacted with the artwork and engaged in conversations around the subject matter (Fondren, 2021). Even the vandalism of the George Floyd statue, though unfortunate, sparked further public debate and reflection, emphasizing the importance of aboveground locations for community engagement. People tend to be more engaged with public art and their surroundings above ground, while the underground subway stations receive significantly less attention and interaction.
Bringing greater publicity to subway stations by harnessing the potential of public art can create a more inviting environment, encouraging exploration, discovery, and engagement with the public sphere (Bloodworth and Ayres, 2014; Deutsche, 1998). By doing so, we can transform these underground spaces into dynamic hubs of artistic expression and social interaction, enriching the lives of New Yorkers and visitors alike.