An exhibition of New York-based Taiwanese artist Lin Shih-pao’s (林世寶) Chinese Zodiac series of sculptures made from donated New York MetroCards opens today in the city’s World Trade Center subway station.
Lin spent more than 20 years gathering more than 30,000 MetroCards, which he transformed into 12 Chinese zodiac-themed art installations.
The station, which was destroyed in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, took 10 years to rebuild, he said on Sunday, adding that he hopes the exhibition can bring people together, convey a message of love and peace, and offer blessings for passersby.
Photo courtesy of Lin Shih Pao
Originally from Pingtung County, Lin studied painting in Japan before moving to New York. He has won several international awards and held solo exhibitions in all three counties.
After seeing people discarding used MetroCards, he began picking them up, and later asked people donate their unwanted cards to him in parks, schools and other public places, Lin said.
After more than 20 years, he gathered more than 30,000 cards.
“Each MetroCard has its own story,” he said.
The subway is a vital artery in New York, every day people from different countries, cultures and ethnicities ride it together, he said, adding that each MetroCard has played a role in someone’s journey and holds the memories of their travels.
Lin said he spent five years turning the cards into the 12 zodiac animals, representing hope and vitality.
Just as each person is under the protection of their own zodiac sign, the sculptures symbolize his wish for safe travels to those who walk by them, he said.
Of the sculptures, the Bull King holds special meaning, as he created it during the COVID-19 pandemic as a tribute to front-line healthcare workers and in hope of a return to normal life, he said.
Once while collecting MetroCards, police officers approached him to chat about their own zodiac signs before helping him with collections, Lin said.
Moments like that add a human touch to his creations and bring people closer together, he said.
The Chinese Zodiac series aims to preserve the memory of the MetroCard as it is being phased out by new technology, he said.
The exhibition’s location at the World Trade Center also holds a deep meaning, as he, like many New Yorkers, still carry traumatic memories of the terror attacks, he said.
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