MTA Arts & Design

Times Square-42nd Street

Jack Beal

The Return of Spring/The Onset of Winter, 2001/2005

Glass mosaic on wall of 41st Street/7th Avenue mezzanine

Jack Beal uses classical mythology to comment on the relationship between what is above and below the surface - an apt metaphor for the subway. The work consists of two large mosaic panels that illustrate the mythological character Persephone. Instead of fasting, she ate a pomegranate and as punishment, is banished underground for six months of the year. However, she is permitted to spend six months above ground on earth with her mother. In mythology, the periods above and below ground were the beginning of seasons, which Beal uses in his titles. Beal finds universality in the myth and brings it to life in a place filled with movement and purpose, bringing beauty underground.