Arts for Transit and Urban Design

25th Avenue

Amy Cheng

Rediscovery, 2012

Laminated glass in platform windscreens

Amy Cheng’s series of four windscreen compositions are designed as imaginative land and skyscapes representing mystery and adventure. They refer to the largeness of life, the wonders and mystery of the natural world, rendered in resplendent color and form.

As an immigrant, Cheng feels a deep affinity with the West End D Line neighborhoods, particularly the work ethic and diversity of the residents. A Turkish restaurant sits cheek-by-jowl with a Japanese restaurant, which faces a Spanish bodega, which shares the sidewalk with a Chinese green grocer, who faces an Italian bakery, who neighbors an Afghan restaurant, and so on. It is as if the places of business were proclaiming in unison: “We come from all over the globe, we have chosen to make our living in this corner of Brooklyn, and we want to share the riches of our culture and cuisine with you.”

Whether from this year or 100 years ago, it takes courage for immigrants to leave the safety of the familiar and set out for the greater unknown world. Rediscovery echoes the human longing for discovery, adventure, and spiritual quests.