Lariat Tapers

2011 Wall Street (4,5) New York City Transit

Artist James Garvey hand-forged functional bronze sculptures and designed them to integrate into the station’s architecture. The nine sculptural "Lariat Tapers" wrap around the Tuscan columns at the historic Wall St station. Since the station is located in the Financial District, Garvey crafted these functional seats to convey the location of the wind-swept “corridors of finance.” The tapers swirl in a clockwise direction around the columns to depict the motion of trains swooping into the station. Comparing "Lariat Tapers" to Garvey’s artwork "Lariat Seat Loops" at the 33 St station, the "Lariat Tapers" are realized as a more sensuous form, a deliberate attempt to interact with and catch the attention of commuters who work in the financial district. At 33 St, the dynamic between the loops and the historic I-beam column imparts a uniquely fresh impression, while Garvey’s design for Wall St acknowledges, respects, and highlights the station’s history and architecture.