Art In Transit- "Happy World"

Artists that were involved with Art In Transit proposed by the MTA, were asked to create an aesthetic in the subway stations to engage commuters. I chose Flushing Queens, (the 7 line) to observe Ik- Joong Kang's work, a Korean artist who moved to New York in 1984 to further his education. During 1999, Kang's means of transportation among many New Yorkers, was the subway system. He spent many hours traveling his first years in New York and utilized his time most efficiently by seeing the subway as 'his personal mobile studio'. The inspiration for "Happy World" developed from responses, people, events and the surroundings Kang encountered on the 7 line in Queens. That area is known to be the second largest Chinatown in New York and is a vibrant diverse community. 

“These miniature canvases functioned like pages in a diary upon which I recorded my immediate responses to life in a foreign country.”

- Kang

He began to design the artwork by carrying 3x3 canvases with him everyday for the practicality they could fit in his hand and pocket and drew what he saw and imagined. The mural resides over one of the subway's turnstile, covering the top wall entirely with tiles- 2,000 to be exact. Each tile's background contributes to the whirl of color in the background of the mural that gives the composition a finished look. The small, simple black and white drawing's on each one represent fun and dynamic aspects within the community. Kang's goal was to design this mural for people to discuss and engage with eachother. Unfortunately, like other subway stations with art, the pieces tend to get over looked by the busy passerby's who see this everyday. However, the pleasure and creativity that is reflected in this mural at the Flushing Queens subway station is symbolic to the neighborhood and represents them most appropriately.