Normally, subway art is not the kind I seek; rather, I notice it here and there as I ferret through station labyrinths. It’s more than ‘eye-candy’, though that is the way it sometimes feels to me. To overcome that, every once in a while I stop to consider and in some cases, when one piece is actually part of many, I will hunt for the others (such is the case with Otterness’s work down at the 14th Street Station) and the Times Square Station which contains five pieces.
This one, by Sol Lewitt, I pass frequently, but only recently did I notice its dedication plaque on the staircase wall which mentions its 2009 installation date.
You won’t miss it if you transfer from the IRT (red line) to the IND (orange line), but going the other way you’ll have to look over your shoulder as you ascend the staircase. In other stations, pieces can be subtle enough to miss.
If you do stop to peruse remember to step aside; don’t become an obstruction to traffic.