Okay so it’s probably not correct to categorize art as either good or bad but there is like and dislike and recently two new pieces in the subways, which I ride every single day, caught my eye.
The first is the piece above called “Whirls and Twirls” by artist Sol LeWitt. It’s at the base of the Columbus Avenue/59th Street station after you come down the stairs near that fake above-ground Unisphere (I love when I see tourists taking photos of this faux Donald Trump ((is that redundant?)) Unisphere. Hey tourists, the real Unisphere is in Queens!).
Anyway, LeWitt’s bright and colorful piece of art is, imo, fabulous and lends a blast of color to the otherwise dreary subway system, not really known for being anything more than utilitarian. I appreciate the art and read in the NY Times that the bright porcelain tiles were so hard to create that artisans in Madrid are responsible. If only the Transit Authority showed so much determination and follow-through when it comes to emptying trash cans. Sigh…
So I love LeWitt’s creation but my wife has a problem with another piece of subway art created by Chris Gall that is now decorating the inside of many an F line subway car.
In fact, she said that one day it made her physically ill. The poster depicts a subway car as a giant fish blimp flying high above the city (yes, I know what you’re thinking but don’t ask.) Among the images: an alien, a couple kissing, and, most strikingly, a man who is just barely hanging on, clinging outside the fish/car to a subway pole with his briefcase in hand.
“The subway is a place where I’m always a little on edge,” my wife said. “When I’m down there, I want to look at something peaceful, not something that turns up the volume even more. And I don’t want to think about falling out of the car or having some alien guy next to me.”
Interesting reaction. I had never thought about it much other than to think it was a weird piece. In any case, if art is supposed to make one think, I suppose both of these pieces work and I applaud the TA for at least trying. Time for them to move on to those overflowing trash cans.
Paul:
Are you sure we weren’t separated at birth? I soooo agree with you. Many are the toes of the silent sentries which have borne my wrath in the form of an “accidental”?misstep.
I am so happy to find I am not the only one who considers the flying fish art to be in poor taste. It is so disturbing to be on the subway crossing the Manhattan Bridge, staring at a businessman barely hanging on to the outside of an airplane. I am shocked that the MTA didn’t think twice, or three times, about ever putting these up. It may work somewhere else, but here it is an obvious and painful reminder, when the people of NYC are just trying to go about their day. I for one would like to see them taken down immediately. Thanks!
my wife will be happy to hear she’s not alone. thanks for your comment.
I think it is awesome! I would love to compliment the artist.
Have you all lost your minds? The flying fish illustration is great! I saw it for the first time this past weekend on the N train and it sent my mind on a fantastic voyage. Lighten up people. If the subway scares you so much that you can’t even enjoy a piece of artwork then maybe you should get out and walk.