Peter Sis’s “Happy City" (2004) mosaic at 86 Street (4,5,6) station, is a story of hope that unfolds within four large eyes. As described by the artist, "The [people of the city] have children and want the best for their children, so they tell them stories and fairy tales. The fairy tales are the magic animals which appear to float in throughout the four murals. In the end they form the carousel with the happy children of all nationalities enjoying the ride. That is the future of the city."
On view at the Czech Center New York through November 19, “The Wall: How I Grew Up Behind the Iron Curtain,” is a documentary exhibition on Sis, an acclaimed Czech-born American illustrator, author and filmmaker. The show focuses on SĂs' experience growing up in Prague, Czechoslovakia during communism, featuring a series of original illustrations for his autobiographical picture book “The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain” (recognized as a 2009 Caldecott Honor Book, among other accolades), as well as photographs and authentic artifacts from the period 50s to 80s.
