Cosmic Birds Soar Through New York City Subway Stations in Fred Tomaselli’s New Mosaics
‘Wild Things’ (2024), glass and ceramic mosaics. Commissioned by MTA Arts & Design for 14 St-7 Av station. Photo by Photo: Trent Reeves. All images © Fred Tomaselli and NYC Transit 14 St Station Complex, shared with permission
Cosmic Birds Soar Through New York City Subway Stations in Fred Tomaselli’s New Mosaics
November 13, 2024
Art
Kate Mothes
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Known for his large-scale, collaged resin paintings and ongoing series of reimagined front pages of The New York Times, Fred Tomaselli is captivated by what he describes as the “friction” between beauty and ugliness or internal and external forces. He often observes interactions between humanity and nature through rhythmic patterns and vibrant colors.
In New York City’s 14 St-6 Av and 14 St-7 Av subway stations, a series of new murals titled Wild Things have been unveiled in the historical spirit of the MTA mosaics. An avid birder, the Brooklyn-based artist highlights species that live year-round in New York City.
Detail of mosaic in 14 St-7 Av station
Scenes brightening up passageways and stairwells include orioles mobbing a falcon, a bright sky full of electric blue clouds, a spiral-eyed, cosmic cardinal, and more.
Wild Things marks Tomaselli’s first permanent public artwork in Manhattan and reflects his mixed-media approach to collage in ceramics and glass. Commissioned by MTA Art & Design, the mosaics join more than 350 permanent installations accessible to public 24/7.
Learn more about the artist’s work on Instagram. You might also enjoy Contemporary Art Underground, a celebration of New York City Subway art, Nick Cave’s 360-food “Soundsuit” installation, or Nancy Blum’s sprawling tile blossoms.
Passageway from 7 Av to 6 Av
Detail of work in passageway from 7 Av to 6 Av
Mosaic located in 14 St-6 Av
Mosaic located in 14 St-6 Av
Detail of mosaic located in 14 St-6 Av
Mosaic located in 14 St-6 Av
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