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The original Rapid Transit Commission Contract of 1900 declared: “where exposed to public sight shall therefore be designed, constructed, and maintained, with a view to the beauty of their appearance, as well as their efficiency.”
More than a century later, we stand by that credo. As MTA Arts & Design Director Sandra Bloodworth told us, “It is vitally important that the artwork speaks directly to those it’s created for: the people who use the station, and those who live and work in the neighborhood.”
The L line has some of the best examples of public art in our system. So whether you’ve casually wondered, “what’s the deal with all these colored tiles?” (ahem, “mosaics”), or if you’re looking for a fun holiday activity for the whole family, we’ve got you covered. And since it’s been extra busy with all of you M train converts, we’ll start this tour at Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs Station in Brooklyn.
When you’re passing through the station’s rotunda, stop and look up. Above this busy transfer point is a 2006 installation by artist Cadence Giersbach called From Earth to Sky.
Here are the five key facts you need to know about the piece:
1. The artwork is intended to create the illusion of a natural canopy above. It creates a blue and pink sky, complete with treetops, birds, butterflies and clouds.
2. The artwork uses a mix of different materials to achieve the illusion, which succeeds in part because of how it reflects light. The main materials used are glass, marble and porcelain. It was installed by a firm called Mosaik.
3. It scales a space that is approximately 36 ft. x 28 ft.
4. Look closely at the dome’s central “oculus.” The view is inverted; you're looking at an artistic birds-eye map view of the city. The reversed image is centered on the location of where you’re standing, surrounded by the rest of the far-stretching city.
5. This is one of nine permanent artworks currently gracing the L line.
Want to extend your tour? Check out the other L line art, along with the more than 300 installations we have throughout the system on our MTA Arts & Design website.
So yes, there’s more to L line infrastructure than tracks, tunnels, and substations. There are purpose-built interludes of beauty and serenity, too.
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Despite a few weather delays, we finished all of the bus boarding platforms along 14th Street on time. Hooray!
: Why is there a “hill” if you will, at the middle of the platform of the L train stations? I’ve noticed that they’re being added while the stations are being remodeled. - Silvia P.
