Subway Therapy: A Safe Space for New Yorkers to Process Election Day Emotions
For the second time in eight years, a busy Manhattan subway corridor has become a haven for New Yorkers to express their emotions about the election.
A Public Art Project
The "Subway Therapy" project, organized by Matthew Chavez, has been set up in the passageway linking the 14th Street stations on Sixth and Seventh avenues, where riders can share their thoughts on colorful sticky notes. The project first appeared in 2016 after Donald Trump’s presidential victory.
A Stream of Consciousness
Riders have been posting nearly 20,000 sticky notes, with each one taken down nightly and put up again the next day, as per an agreement with the MTA. The notes express a range of emotions, from "NY, I LOVE YOU!" and "Don’t be afraid" to more somber sentiments like "I’m in despair and just trying to get on with my day" and "I’m having so many feelings, I don’t even know where to start."
Therapy in Transit
Michael Rosen, 28, a Harris/Walz supporter, wrote "They only win if we give up" on his sticky note while transferring between trains. "I think it’s very easy to get very dejected and feel very defeated, especially when something like this happens. That is what I’m trying to channel here — as difficult as that might be, you’ve got to keep moving forward," he said.
The Power of Expression
Chavez, the organizer, said that the project is not a response to Trump’s election, but rather a way for people to express themselves. "I try to make sure the work invites peaceful expression from all parties," he said. "It’s also been really fascinating to think about how divided people are right now without clear pathways to coming together in unity."
Conclusion
The "Subway Therapy" project has become a symbol of hope and unity for New Yorkers. As Chavez said, "People need to show up for each other." The project has been revived for the 2024 election, and its impact is expected to be just as significant as it was in 2016.
FAQs
Q: What is the "Subway Therapy" project?
A: The "Subway Therapy" project is a public art project that allows New Yorkers to express their emotions on colorful sticky notes in a busy Manhattan subway corridor.
Q: How many sticky notes are expected to be posted?
A: Almost 20,000 sticky notes are expected to be posted by the end of the project.
Q: What happens to the sticky notes?
A: The notes are taken down nightly and put up again the next day, as per an agreement with the MTA.
Q: What is the purpose of the project?
A: The project is designed to provide a safe space for people to express themselves and process their emotions about the election.
