Weād like to be the first to wish a happy 92nd birthday to artist Alex Katz, born on July 24, 1927 in New York City! Weāre celebrating his newly installed artwork āMetropolitan Facesā at the 57th Street (F) station in Manhattan. āMetropolitan Facesā incorporates Katzās iconic brightly colored and boldĀ portraits and flowers rendered with an economy of detail in his signature style. Nineteen hand painted large glass panels (fabricated by Glasmaleri Peters) fill the station with light and color through the faces that reflect those of commuters, while his lush floral compositions are a nod to nearby Central Park. Commenting on the public permanent installation, the artist and subway rider said, āIt is a privilege to make art for all peopleā. TheĀ lengthy station mezzanine, constructed in the late 1960ās, provides a unique setting within the subway system to see art. The series of paintings are set within cast stone panels that line the station walls, becoming part of the cityās art infrastructure.Ā
