Metro Art

Metro Art
Caption	Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Metro Art program
Country	United States
Period	20th century to present
Influences	Abstract expressionism, Pop art, Street art

Metro Art is a vibrant and diverse form of public art that can be found in New York City Subway stations, Washington Metro stations, and other Mass transit systems around the world, including London Underground, Paris Métro, and Tokyo Metro. It encompasses a wide range of artistic styles, from Murals and Sculptures to Installation art and Performance art, often created by renowned artists such as Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Kenny Scharf. Metro Art has become an integral part of the urban landscape, reflecting the unique character and culture of each city, as seen in the works of Richard Serra at Penn Station and Anish Kapoor at Grand Central Terminal. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and other transit agencies have played a significant role in promoting and preserving Metro Art, often in collaboration with organizations like the Public Art Fund and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

Introduction to Metro Art

Metro Art is a dynamic and ever-changing art form that has evolved over the years, influenced by various artistic movements, including Graffiti, Street art, and Urban art. The introduction of Metro Art in the 1970s and 1980s was largely driven by the efforts of artists like George Segal and Red Grooms, who created site-specific installations for the New York City Subway and other transit systems. Today, Metro Art can be found in many cities around the world, including Berlin, Munich, and Vienna, often featuring works by local artists like Gerhard Richter and Georg Baselitz. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) and the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system have also established their own Metro Art programs, showcasing the work of artists like John Baldessari and Ed Ruscha.

History of Metro Art

The history of Metro Art dates back to the early 20th century, when the first Subway systems were built in cities like New York City, London, and Paris. During this period, artists like Hector Guimard and Charles Holden designed iconic Metro entrances and stations, which have become an integral part of the urban landscape. The 1930s and 1940s saw the introduction of Murals and other forms of public art in Subway stations, often created by artists like Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco. The 1960s and 1970s were marked by the emergence of Graffiti and Street art in New York City Subway stations, led by artists like Taki 183 and Cornbread. This period also saw the establishment of the MTA Arts & Design program, which has played a crucial role in promoting and preserving Metro Art, often in collaboration with institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Guggenheim Museum.

Types of Metro Art

Metro Art encompasses a wide range of artistic styles and forms, including Murals, Sculptures, Installation art, and Performance art. Many Subway stations feature large-scale Murals, often created by artists like Roy Lichtenstein and Chuck Close. Sculptures and Installation art are also common, with examples like Richard Serra's Clara-Clara at Penn Station and Anish Kapoor's Descent into Limbo at Grand Central Terminal. Performance art and Street art are also an integral part of Metro Art, with artists like Marina Abramovic and Tino Sehgal creating site-specific performances in Subway stations. The Venice Biennale and the Documenta exhibition have also featured Metro Art, highlighting its significance in the contemporary art world, alongside artists like Ai Weiwei and Cao Fei.

Notable Metro Art Installations

There are many notable Metro Art installations around the world, including Richard Serra's Clara-Clara at Penn Station and Anish Kapoor's Descent into Limbo at Grand Central Terminal. The New York City Subway system features a wide range of Metro Art, including Murals by Roy Lichtenstein and Chuck Close, as well as Sculptures by George Segal and Red Grooms. The Washington Metro system has also commissioned numerous Metro Art installations, including works by Sam Gilliam and Gene Davis. The London Underground and Paris Métro systems have also featured notable Metro Art installations, including works by Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely. The Tate Modern and the Centre Pompidou have also exhibited Metro Art, recognizing its importance in the history of modern and contemporary art, alongside artists like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.

Preservation and Restoration Efforts

Preservation and restoration efforts are essential to maintaining the integrity and beauty of Metro Art. The MTA Arts & Design program and other transit agencies have established programs to preserve and restore Metro Art, often in collaboration with organizations like the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts and the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation have also provided funding and support for Metro Art preservation and restoration efforts. The Getty Conservation Institute and the World Monuments Fund have also played a significant role in preserving and restoring Metro Art, recognizing its cultural and historical significance, alongside landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum.

Impact on Urban Culture

Metro Art has had a significant impact on urban culture, reflecting the unique character and identity of each city. It has also played a crucial role in promoting urban renewal and revitalization, as seen in the Baltimore and Pittsburgh Subway systems. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) and the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system have also used Metro Art to promote community engagement and social change, often in collaboration with organizations like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). The Biennale of Sydney and the Istanbul Biennial have also featured Metro Art, highlighting its significance in the global art world, alongside artists like Yayoi Kusama and Takashi Murakami. The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) and the Walker Art Center have also exhibited Metro Art, recognizing its importance in the history of contemporary art, alongside artists like Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg.

Category:Public art