Exploring the art narrative in Times Square and 34th street subway station
"Times Square Times: 35 Times"
The beautiful artwork is called "Times Square Times: 35 Times" and was installed in 2005 by Toby Buonagurio, a New York resident artist. This artwork is a set of 35 small vibrant glazed ceramic panels that are installed within the walls of the Times Square. It runs in a corridor between 1/2/3 trains, but also is present on a major wall of an intersection between several train passageways. The illuminated presentation panels are embedded in a green tile wall that brings attention because of the contrast of a green wall and the panels. The artwork tells a narrative of three characteristics of the vibrant Times Square: Performing Arts, Fashion and Street Life. Each of the 'windows' narrate a different story, be it the theme of fashion, subway commute or fashion. The 'actors' within the artwork, like the people, the things and the places, are easily recognizable by every visitor, doesn't matter what is the culture or nation. The subway station is open all days in a year 24/7, so it is routinely seen by billions of people every year from all around the world.
"Reach New York : An Urban Musical Instrument"
It is an audio installation created by Christopher Janney back in 1996. Perhaps, many commuters do not even notice it, because it is not on the ground. Nowadays, people tend to look down on their phones, so this might be the reason why it is not noticed that much. Perhaps tourists will have a higher chance of noticing it, because they tend to look around. Back in the days of the artwork's earlier years, when phones were not a big deal, it was probably more entertaining for the crowd, and a way to spend some fun time waiting for the train.
The overall piece is a green horizontal beam that has 8 small square openings, and a light above it. When you wave a hand in front of one of the openings. the light will come on and a note will play. a different key represents a different sound, ranging from musical instruments like flute and marimba, to natural sounds like the everglades and rainforest. What is interesting about this artwork, is that there is the same beam located on the other side of the platform Both of them face each other. When one plays a note, he/she automatically sends the music to the other side, and also waves to the people across the platform. The sound of the flute that is coming form the urban instrument is soothing but quite loud - a subway is a loyd place, so the music has to be heard. The narrative is bringing us from an urban environment back to the human nature, the classics of music and nature.
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