MetroCard Artists Face Change as Iconic Passes Disappear

Artists who creatively utilize Metrocards are feeling the impact as these blue, plastic passes are phased out. The imminent loss of the MetroCard system is, understandably, disheartening for some.

“I was in real denial for a long time,” expressed artist Thomas McKean, who had hoped that the MTA’s well-known organizational chaos might delay the full transition to the OMNY contactless system.

“I know there are bigger issues out there, but it’s shocking to see all the MetroCard machines just vanish overnight. One day they were there, and the next? Gone.” McKean, who has incorporated Metrocards into his artwork for over two decades, recalls beginning his creative journey on the subway, curious about the words he could fashion from the 10 letters on the cards.

Through his art, he has sold a vast array of products, from coffee cups to baseball caps, all crafted from meticulously cut Metrocards, including some designed to resemble actual cards.

“There’s something about the MetroCard that resonates,” McKean noted, suggesting that even visitors, whether from Iowa or Ireland, recognize its symbolic worth. “It feels alive somehow, possessing a spirit that echoed New Yorkers’ shared experience. Everyone had it in their wallets; there was a real connection.”

McKean possesses a considerable stash of MetroCards at home, which he believes will last him for several years as he continues to create. “It’s a bit odd to think there’ll come a day when I’ll run out; I’m trying to prepare for that,” he admitted.

Nina Boesch, another artist who relies on Metrocards for her collages, has a collection of about 90,000 cards tucked away in her studio. Having moved to New York in 2001, she felt a pang of loss at the sight of discarded cards scattered across the streets. Organizations like the Green Broadway Alliance have supported her by donating cards.

“They were everywhere! I always thought, ‘This is trash that shouldn’t be waste.’ It’s a powerful symbol,” Boesch remarked.

Her first project was a map of the United States made as a gift, which spurred her to pursue art further. Since then, she’s turned to New York for inspiration, creating intricate pieces that represent the city, like mice exploring its corners and the iconic landmarks.

While not particularly anxious about the looming scarcity of Metrocards, Boesch acknowledged that the demand for these cards might influence the value of her creations. “Retiring the MetroCard feels like losing a landmark. It’s nostalgic for it to disappear,” she remarked, referring to the card as “a relic of the past.”

“Perhaps it’s optimistic, but I believe the memory of the MetroCard will stick around for years. I doubt it will be forgotten anytime soon,” she added, reflecting on its enduring significance.