“Subway Therapy” is a public art project in Manhattan where subway riders express their Election Day feelings on sticky notes. Organizer Matthew Chavez expects around 20,000 notes to be posted. The project, started in 2016, offers a space for New Yorkers to share their thoughts and feelings, with messages ranging from political to personal. The project aims to provide a sense of unity and support for those going through post-election emotions.
In a heartwarming display of solidarity and expression, New Yorkers took to a busy Manhattan subway corridor to share their post-Election Day emotions through sticky notes. This public art project, known as “Subway Therapy,” was organized by Matthew Chavez for the second time since Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential victory. The passageway linking the 14th Street stations on Sixth and Seventh avenues became a canvas for individuals to jot down their thoughts and feelings, offering a glimpse into the collective state of mind following the recent election.
Chavez, the mastermind behind “Subway Therapy,” anticipated close to 20,000 sticky notes to be posted by participants, with each note being taken down nightly and reinstated the next day in collaboration with the MTA. The initiative aimed to provide a platform for people to express themselves freely, irrespective of their political affiliations or emotions. Messages such as “NY, I LOVE YOU!” and “Don’t be afraid” resonated with subway riders as they grappled with the outcomes of the election.
Participants like Katie Wagner and Michael Rosen found solace in sharing their sentiments on the colorful sticky notes. Wagner, a Harris/Walz supporter, expressed feelings of despair and overwhelm, while Rosen emphasized the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The project served as a therapeutic outlet for individuals to process their emotions and connect with others experiencing similar sentiments.
The success of the earlier “Subway Therapy” in 2016, which led to 12,000 preserved sticky notes and subsequent exhibitions, inspired Chavez to revive the project for the 2024 election. The timeless messages captured on the sticky notes transcend political events, offering a space for introspection, self-expression, and unity among New Yorkers. Chavez ensures that the project fosters peaceful dialogue and inclusivity, removing any messages deemed inappropriate or divisive.
Participants like Shaniece Taylor found comfort in expressing their concerns about the future through the sticky notes, highlighting the project’s role in providing a sense of solidarity and community amidst uncertainty. Chavez, a cofounder of the nonprofit Listening Lab, emphasizes the value of creating spaces for meaningful conversations and mutual support, particularly in times of heightened political tension and division.
“Subway Therapy” serves as a poignant reminder of the power of empathy, connection, and self-expression in fostering resilience and unity within communities. Through simple acts of sharing thoughts on sticky notes, individuals find solace, validation, and a sense of belonging in a bustling city like New York. As New Yorkers continue to navigate the complexities of post-election emotions, projects like “Subway Therapy” offer a beacon of hope and a reminder that we are stronger together, no matter the challenges we face.
Source: TheCity.NYC
