New York MetroCards Transformed Into Underground Art [14 Pics]

One of my favorite jokes/quotes that I have seen making the rounds on social media lately is, “I could do that + Yeah, but you didn’t = Modern Art.” It always manages to put a smile on my face no matter what mood I’m in. The amazing insight this phrase captures is the power an artist has to see something mundane in an object we take for granted every day and create something incredible out of it. Artist Nina Boesch did this when she managed to take 30,000 New York MetroCards and create stunning artworks with them.

This German artist created inspiring portraits of John Lennon, Woody Allen, Audrey Hepburn, Itzhak Perlman and James Dean whilst also creating memorable landscapes from America like the Brooklyn Bridge, Lincoln Centre and the iconic yellow taxicabs. In each of these masterpieces, which she is currently selling for up to $2,500, she only uses cut up New York MetroCards. How cool is that?

When looking at these modern day mosaic art pieces, you forget that they are made from something that we often discard without a single thought. New York MetroCards are not exactly what you would think of when discussing great design or art, but artist Nina Boesch transformed them into something memorable. What I love about these art pieces is that they make you think about so many different things.

First, you are captivated by the likeness of the portraits or landscapes, analyzing the artistry of the artist’s skill and ability. Secondly, you start to think about the individual or the place. Thirdly, you try to analyze each aspect of the Metrocard that is cut up and placed in such a creative way. And finally, you start looking around you and wondering what inanimate objects in your daily life could also be manipulated into a piece of art. Now that is powerful art. It takes a lot to get an individual thinking on so many different levels these days, especially with all the distractions we face on a daily basis. So sit back and marvel at Nina Boesch’s New York MetroCards and enjoy your time spent mentally manipulating every object you may come into contact with today.