City Dwellers (for Costas and Maro)

2002 28th Street (N, R) New York City Transit

The Toy Center and the Flatiron Building are located near the 28 St subway station and Broadway, as are the flower, fur, and garment districts. Each of these areas inspired artist Mark Hadjipateras, whose glass mosaics are rendered in a playful cartoon-like style. “City Dwellers” animates the walls of the station with a series of robot-like creatures. The figures are joyous and fanciful, but closer examination reveals universal symbols and forms that reflect the neighborhood and its history: technology, toys, and commerce. These inventions invite riders to guess at their meanings; while they may seem familiar, the artist holds the key. In his proposal, Hadjipateras cited some of his plentiful sources: plants and flowers, patterns based on national flags, Greek ethnic garb, family, New York taxis, radio broadcast waves, and more. Filtered through the artist's sensibility, the result is a unique and compelling station environment.