Freedom Tunnel

Art is seen every day all around. But how do we define art and to what extent does it affect our common era today. Art influenced the style of the common era through various elements: Through performance, visualization, and thought process is a strive in our human culture. Media plays a big role influencing the artist’s creativity. From one visual thought shared with the other, then recreates a new and twisted meaning. 

Living in the heart of New York City I wonder along the sidewalk streets mesmerized by the city’s natural beauty. While much of the city’s graffiti has been deteriorating, some of the more provocative tags still exist beneath the riverside ground. My buddies and I discovered these spray-painted secrets on a recent trip to the Freedom Tunnel, a legend among street art underground urban explorers. Freedom was built in the 1930’s by Robert Moses and deserted soon after, the tunnel became a safe haven for the homeless who camped in the underground shelter. Pape’s “Coca-Cola Mural” contrasted the weathered face of a hobo, a la Walker Evans, with a cartoon of the American 1950′s family. I would encourage anyone to visit the Freedom Tunnel and see Pape’s work and other graffiti masterpieces. The tunnel is still used by Amtrak, so staying alert is crucial in case a train speeds by. Homeless people continue to dwell among the freedom tunnel legacy as well. Our biggest challenge and the most fun was the journey into the tunnel.  After climbing fences to find an easy  access towards the entrance, we were forced to squeeze through another gate, fortunately the second gate was an ease but ended up with minor scrapes and temporary muscle pain.

Freedom is about forgetting the dangers that might be lurking in the shadows (When the train is approaching). I bug out wondering underneath the city streets into a trip where you feel like the only person left on earth. Air vents let in subtle pillars of sunlight portraying a holy aura of Freedom. Much of the graffiti is visually placed beneath these shafts or columns, providing a dramatic lighting that any eye can envision in any gallery.