Kira Nam Greene’s “Feasts in Motion,” installed at 82 St-Jackson Heights station, takes riders on a vibrant culinary journey that celebrates the diverse communities of Jackson Heights. culinary journey that celebrates the diverse communities of Jackson Heights. Greene began the project by speaking with local residents about their culinary traditions, gathering stories that reflect the neighborhood’s global roots — from Thailand, China, Korea, and the Philippines to Colombia, Ecuador, Ireland, and Puerto Rico, among others. It became clear in these conversations that food not only serves as a joyful expression of cultural pride but can also act as a bridge between different communities and create spaces for connection and understanding. 

Created through a combination of hand drawings and digital illustrations, Greene captures a tasty array of main courses and decadent desserts from around the world. In one mural, plump pork dumplings sit alongside a chocolate glazed donut and kimchi, while in another mural, a plate of food from local Indian restaurant Jackson Diner hovers beside a tray of traditional Mexican pastries and pomegranates. Greene displays these various food items against a backdrop of traditional decorative patterns from all over the world, including Africa, Europe, and Latin America. Also included are dragon and tiger motifs popular in countries such as China, Korea, and Japan, alongside geometric Inca textile designs found commonly on ceremonial clothing.

The 24-panel artwork was fabricated by Depp Glass, located in Long Island City, Queens. Depp set digital prints of Greene’s work within laminated glass. The result is a lively interplay between opacity and transparency, creating a dynamic display of light and shadow across both platforms. In the spirit of friends and loved ones gathering over a shared meal, Greene invites commuters to enjoy this visual buffet together. 

Born in Seoul, Korea, Kira Nam Greene lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. She is a visual artist whose work explores identity, cultural memory, and belonging through painting, drawing, and public art. Her practice often merges realism with symbolic imagery to examine the intersections of personal and collective experience. Greene received her MFA from the School of Visual Arts, and her BA in International Relations from Seoul National University. Prior to becoming an artist, Greene earned her Ph.D. in Political Science from Stanford University, specializing in Political Economy in East Asia, and taught widely on the subject matter in both academic and business settings. Greene has shown her work widely at venues such as the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Montgomery Museum of Fine Art, Wave Hill, and the Bronx Museum of Arts, among others.