Funktional Vibrations, X. Bailey New York
Subway Art 11
Xenobia Bailey (women's life coach) is a Harlem-based female African-American fine artist, fiber artist, designer, supernaturalist and cultural activist. This installation of her work in the new MTA Hudson Yards station is probably the largest piece in the subway network. Three mosaics installed in three different locations are based on some of Bailey's crocheting patterns.
About Funktional Vibrations, Bailey said "It's the cosmos. I wanted the pieces to be motivating like the sunrise, sunset, and shooting stars. I wanted to design something with a similar ambience that would inspire an invigorating state of being."
This station is more than 100 feet deep, placing it among the system's deepest, and a counterpoint to the system's highest, Smith/9th Street at 90 feet. Hudson Yards is a new development on the far west side of Manhattan, formerly industrial - factory buildings, train tracks, that sort of stuff. The Jacob Javits Convention Center is nearby. This station terminates the brand new $2.4 billion extension of the 7 Train.
I think the subway art about which I write is meant to provoke you in unexpected ways. It's not destination art. Instead, if after spotting a few pieces, one feels one's curiosity piqued, reaching that higher plane pays rewards in other ways. There may be fifty or more pieces scattered about, nearly all beautiful and provocative. Keep your eyes peeled! And, it's not all new - some date back many decades.
I've been searching for a retail outlet selling her work. So far, no luck, but she does have an online presence.
About this spot
West 34th Street 564
- 24 hours daily
US$
no-price
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Queens Bakehouse
New York Style patisserie
"Queens Bakehouse" in NYC was an instant hit with me. Their inventive twists on classics are what really stole my heart - the croissant loaf, for example.
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Rainey Park
Western Queens oasis
When you step into "Rainey Park" in New York City, it feels like you have been welcomed into the shared backyard of Astoria residents. Compact & sunny!
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Malachy's Donegal Inn
Pint-sized Irish bar, UWS
"Malachy's Donegal Inn" is an Irish bar in New York city that's a survivor. There's an ingrained (or ingrown) sense of comfort, 'cares abandoned'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Utopia
Old-fashioned breakfast
"Utopia" is my neighborhood go-to breakfast joint. It's a real old-school kind of place; I go with my newspaper and am always served well and fast.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Central Park Benches
Poignant inscriptions
"Central Park Benches" in NYC (apart from their comfort) are known for their commemorative plaques. One of them is dedicated by the citizens of Liverpool...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
BANKSY locations New York
Contemporary street art
You can find "BANKSY in New York" in the Upper West Side. 'Boy With a Hammer' is the only one of his pieces that hasn't been 'repurposed'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Silvana
Live music, café, boutique
"Silvana" is a large cafe, boutique, shawarma and falafel bar in NYC that also offers live music performances on their downstairs stage. Great acts!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Mo's Famous Burgers
Hamburger Food Truck
The menu is simple: hamburgers, French fries & toppings. No over-the-top ingredients, no superfluous adjectives, and high-value food at rock-bottom prices.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Elizabeth Street Garden
Sculpture garden NoLita
"Elizabeth Street Garden" New York: formerly the site of a large, important school house, it was reclaimed in the '90s and turned into a sculpture garden.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
UWS Phone Booth
Last payphone booth
One block away from a 21st century LinkNYC WiFi tower on Broadway sits one of three West End Avenue working telephone 'booths', the last in NYC...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Anthony & Son
Old-school sandwich shop
After, "Anthony & Son" Panini Shoppe's Italian-style super-sandwiches, no regular New York sandwich will ever taste as good again...
by
Nick
Papa
Dutch Kills
Upholding cocktail culture in Queens
"Dutch Kills" in New York isn't hiding it's one of the best bars in the city, but it isn't publicizing the fact, either. No password to enter, however!
by
Nick
Papa
Heading to New York?
304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 304 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
