MTA Arts & Design

86th Street

Peter Sis

Happy City, 2004

Glass mosaics and etched stone on platform walls above stairs

In Happy City, Peter Sis depicts four large eyes to represent the ingredients of the community and the vibrancy that is New York. Created with etched stone and glass mosaics and rendered in bold color, above the stairs, the pupils and eyelashes are "drawn" with buildings from the neighborhood, incorporating such landmarks as the Metropolitan, Guggenheim, and Whitney museums, as well as Gracie Mansion. The irises and whites of the eyes serve as a background for figurative elements that capture the diversity and energy of the community. According to 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."