This art exhibition on the Oculus floor explores the innovative artistic fusion between the Eastern culture of the 12 zodiac signs and the century-long history of the New York City subway system. Taiwanese-American artist Lin Shih-Pao has commuted in New York for over 30 years, traveling daily by subway between home and studio. Through this extended experience, Lin has deeply engaged with the subway's role as the lifeblood of the city. This series of sculptures reflects Lin's detailed observations of daily commuting life and incorporates prayers and blessings, creating art imbued with emotional and cultural value.

These subway cards, representing daily urban life and collective social memory, are used in over 30,000 recycled cards to transform the ancient Zodiac into a new artistic form. This also provides a fresh presentation of the familiar but soon-to-be historical subway cards, while embedding well-wishes and hopes for every traveler.  The sculptures are various sizes, ranging from 4'x3' to 7'x5'. The artist aims to channel these deep emotions and experiences that occur on the subway into a message of love and peace through his art. 

Artist Lin Shih-Pao

Lin Shih-Pao, born in Taiwan in 1962, has engaged with the art scenes in the U.S. and Japan for nearly four decades. An "Outstanding Artist" recognized by the United Nations, he has received over 20 international awards. Lin became the youngest laureate at Japan’s Nichi-Bei Biennale in 1986. After moving to New York in 1993 and completing his studies at NYU in 1997, he shifted from traditional painting and printmaking to installation and action art, focusing on themes of peace, love, and hope

For the past 30 years, Lin has dedicated his work to themes of peace, love, and hope, undertaking numerous projects designed to foster unity and advocate for global harmony. In 2023, he established the Shield Art Foundation in New York, an initiative aimed at harnessing the power of art to bring people together and advance the cause of peace, paving the way for a brighter future. Lin’s mission is to use art as a medium to convey messages of hope, love, and unity, striving to create positive change in the world. His innovative ideas, supported by a global network of collaborators, have manifested in various forms, from striking paintings and zodiac sculptures crafted from subway cards to a vehicle made from recycled cell phones. 

Curator Wei-Hsuan, Chen (Kiki)

Wei-Hsuan, Chen is an independent curator from Taipei, Taiwan, with experience in both Taipei and Beijing's art industries. She earned her master’s degree in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in 2023. Residing in New Jersey, Chen commutes daily through the World Trade Center Oculus to work in New York, where she has developed a deep familiarity with the space. She believes this series of sculptures beautifully merges Eastern and Western cultures, offering the blessings of the Twelve Zodiac animals to commuters and visitors alike.