Fred Tomaselli is a renowned artist known for his large-scale, collaged resin paintings and ongoing series of reimagined front pages of The New York Times. He is fascinated by the “friction” between beauty and ugliness, as well as internal and external forces, often exploring interactions between humanity and nature through rhythmic patterns and vibrant colors.
Recently, in the 14 St-6 Av and 14 St-7 Av subway stations in New York City, a series of new murals titled Wild Things have been unveiled. These murals, inspired by the historical spirit of MTA mosaics, showcase Tomaselli’s love for birds and highlight species that live year-round in New York City. Scenes depicted in the murals include orioles mobbing a falcon, a bright sky with electric blue clouds, a spiral-eyed cosmic cardinal, and more.
Wild Things marks Tomaselli’s first permanent public artwork in Manhattan and reflects his mixed-media approach to collage in ceramics and glass. Commissioned by MTA Art & Design, these mosaics join over 350 permanent installations accessible to the public 24/7.
For those interested in learning more about Fred Tomaselli’s work, his Instagram page is a great place to start. Additionally, art enthusiasts can explore other contemporary art installations in the New York City subway system, such as Nick Cave’s 360-foot “Soundsuit” installation or Nancy Blum’s sprawling tile blossoms.
The intricate details of Tomaselli’s mosaics in the subway stations, such as the ones located in 14 St-6 Av and 14 St-7 Av, showcase the artist’s meticulous craftsmanship and vibrant aesthetic. The mosaics not only add beauty to the underground passageways but also serve as a reminder of the diverse flora and fauna that coexist with urban life in New York City.
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Overall, Fred Tomaselli’s Wild Things murals bring a touch of nature and artistry to the bustling subway stations of New York City, inviting commuters to pause and appreciate the beauty that surrounds them in the midst of urban chaos.
