The Return of Spring, Jack Beal New York
Subway art 7
MTA Times Square Station Art
I'm fascinated by this mosaic mural because the face of the man pictured reminds me of two things: Aaron Copland's 'Appalachian Spring' and Wayne Gretzky. Actually, I think it is 'The Great One', meaning that Beal must be a hockey fan.
Despite the statuesque stillness of its characters (throughout the two murals), its juxtaposition and range of colours reinforce the hurricane of energy that flies by them. After all, the Times Square Station (made up of four stations above, below and next to one another) accommodates about 64,500,000 riders a year.
There are two murals, facing each other across a busy corridor. I rarely see people stop to observe. In fact, in my experience, I'd say people never stop, so when I do, I have to stand well out of the way.
Because of the low station ceilings, the means to properly light all of the artwork are severely restricted, hence it is difficult to see an entire piece without the glare and reflections of its lighting.
Located in the IRT West Side Line mezzanine.
About 20' by 7' high.
There are five other installations in this station, one each by Jacob Lawrence, Jane Dickson, Toby Buonagurio, Blackford and Fisher and Roy Lichenstein, and it is a challenge to find them all.
(That face belongs to Wayne Gretzky!)
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191 West 42nd Street
- 24 hours daily
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