Lively Mosaic Bird Murals Adorn the Walls of a Manhattan Subway Station
**Fred Tomaselli’s “Wild Things”: Infusing Nature into the New York Subway**
When the New York City subway began its journey in 1904, it was celebrated as a “magnificent public project” that not only offered quick transportation but also embraced the chance for stunning decoration and design. More than a century later, this ethos of merging functionality with artistry remains vibrant, partly due to MTA Arts & Design. Since 1985, this organization has commissioned many artworks that enhance and beautify transit environments. A recent addition to this legacy is *Wild Things* (2024), an ambitious mosaic initiative by acclaimed Brooklyn artist Fred Tomaselli, which introduces the enchantment of New York’s natural landscape into the bustling underground passages of the city’s subway system.
### A Mosaic Marvel at 14th Street Station Complex
*Wild Things* comprises six vibrant mosaics that celebrate the often-ignored natural beauty present in New York City. These detailed mosaics span over 680 square feet of the 14th Street Station Complex, linking the 14 St-7 Av and 14 St-6 Av stations in Manhattan. Tomaselli, an enthusiastic birdwatcher and nature lover, was inspired by the city’s avian life, showcasing mosaics of various birds commonly seen in New York, including cardinals, woodpeckers, falcons, and owls.
Through Tomaselli’s whimsical and unique style, these birds are reinterpreted with a burst of colors, patterns, and abstract shapes. Each panel captures the vibrant essence of the skies and nature above ground, transformed into captivating, decorative mosaics for countless daily commuters to admire during their rush.
### Artistic Process and Materials
Fred Tomaselli is well-acquainted with intricate artwork. Renowned for his collage-style creations that often merge natural elements with rich, symbolic visuals, the artist has garnered significant interest from both Eastern and Western decorative art traditions. However, *Wild Things* signifies his debut in the mosaic art form.
The process of translating Tomaselli’s vision into mosaics involved an advanced manipulation of materials. The murals feature custom-designed buttons, printed glass, and traditional *smalti* (a radiant glass tile frequently used in Byzantine mosaics), effectively capturing Tomaselli’s hallmark texture and dimensionality. These tactile and elaborate panels serve as more than mere decoration—they exemplify his prowess in collaged designs, showcasing a complex interaction between nature and the urban chaos of a New York City subway station.
“I aimed to convey some of the nature of New York City, which thrives above ground, into the underground,” Tomaselli articulated. “The sky, flora, earth, and some local birds of New York all find their place in this six-part creation.”
### Nature Intersects with Underground
While birds take center stage in *Wild Things*, Tomaselli has broadened his representation of nature to also encompass elements like abstract clouds meandering through a blue mosaic “sky” and the vibrant red petals of dahlias, providing riders with a sensory reminder of the natural beauty that lies above their subterranean paths. Whether depicting the flapping wings of birds or the curvature of flower petals, these artworks infuse light and vitality into an otherwise stark, utilitarian space.
### Honoring Public Art in New York
*Wild Things* signifies a vital addition to the tradition of public art within the New York City subway system. Since the 1980s, MTA Arts & Design has commissioned numerous artworks that enliven various subway stations, enriching passengers’ journeys beyond the routine commute. These installations prompt a moment of pause in a rapidly moving urban setting, encouraging individuals to stop—even if just for a brief instant—and appreciate their environment.
Fred Tomaselli’s partnership with MTA Arts & Design highlights the MTA’s dedication to integrating art into everyday spaces, fostering cultural enrichment through accessible and captivating artistic works. It’s part of a broader initiative to promote a welcoming and aesthetically engaging public infrastructure, raising the expectations for what public transit can achieve.
### An Invitation to the New York City Public
As many subway travelers rush to their destinations, *Wild Things* beckons them to take a momentary pause and immerse themselves in the vibrant realm Tomaselli has envisioned. It presents a chance to contemplate the contrast between the lively, noisy city below and the flourishing, dynamic nature above.
Beyond Tomaselli’s avian mosaics, the installation serves as a crucial reminder that art can enhance public life, transforming even the most functional spaces into galleries of joy and beauty. More than mere embellishment, *Wild Things* initiates a conversation between people and their urban surroundings.
### Discover More
For art enthusiasts eager to delve further into Fred Tomaselli’s creations, you can follow him on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/fredtomaselli/?hl=en) or visit his official [website](https://www.jamescohan.com).