MTA Arts & Design

28th Street

Nancy Blum

ROAMING UNDERFOOT, 2019

Glass mosaic

Glass mosaic murals by artist Nancy Blum grace the platform walls of the historic 28 St station. The artwork celebrates the station and the above-ground neighborhood that includes architectural gems such as the New York Life Building and Madison Square Park, which are just a few blocks away. The station artwork depicts seven flowering plants that are sourced from the Madison Square Park Conservancy’s Perennial Collection. The flowers include Red Buds, Magnolias, Hellebores, Witch Hazel, Daffodils, Hydrangea and Camellia. The blooming plants were chosen as representation of plant species that withstand changing climate conditions of the city.

Similar to an everchanging garden, ROAMING UNDERFOOT creates a delightful place to enjoy during every season. Blum’s intent was to capture some of the magic of the nearby park, regarded as an urban sanctuary, and to enhance the station environment for transit riders. Known for her beautiful floral studies that reveal astonishing detail, Nancy Blum transforms the study of botany into bold and expressive statements of art.