Nov. 17, 2022
Thomas McKean has noticed a number of things New Yorkers don’t do anymore: leaving business cards on windshields, using plastic “Thank You” bags and hailing yellow cabs. Soon, Mr. McKean, an artist, will add another ubiquitous piece of New York history to that list: swiping MetroCards to ride the subway or bus.For more than 20 years, Mr. McKean has used MetroCards, along with gloves, business cards and other found objects, to make art. Using small scissors and glue, Mr. McKean cuts, stacks and arranges the thin plastic cards into yellow taxis, New York City streetscapes, abstract designs, miniature buildings and, of course, reconstituted MetroCards.“I was amazed how, from this one little flimsy piece of material, there really is a universe,” he said. Mr. McKean declined to give his age but said he was born in New York City and has lived in the East Village for more than 30 years.
