Tag Archives: New York City

Little Free Libraries

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

In the winter of 2013, PEN, alongside the Architectural League of New York and IDEAS CITY Festival, commissioned ten emerging architects to design their take on the idea of the Little Free Library. On May 4, the ten little libraries … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Books, Libraries, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Avoid Eye Contact

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

New York City subway riders have one more reason to avoid eye contact now that thirty more subway stations and platforms are equipped with both wireless voice and data services. Travelers can connect to free wifi (see below), use mobile … Continue reading →

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Inside Out New York

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

TED-prize-winning French street artist JR is bringing his widely popular Inside Out Project to Times Square, New York City starting tomorrow. The public participation art project invites folks to take a self-portrait in a customized photo booth. The 3 foot … Continue reading →

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Book Bloc !

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

The contemporary use of the book bloc began in Rome in 2010 when students protesting drastic educational funding cuts used oversized, handmade book covers as both shields and political commentary. The concept quickly spread to the UK, the rest of Europe … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, Freedom of Speech, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

What Makes NYC So Special

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

In their marvelous short video called “3 Words for NYC”, award-winning, Paris-based filmmakers Achille Coquerel and Thomas Kaufmann asked random New Yorkers to describe what they love about New York City in just three words. Not an easy challenge. I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Tourism | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

We Heart Boring Machines

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

If you have ever tried to negotiate the frustrating trip from Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport via public transportation, this enormous public works project currently under construction in New York City will interest you. When it’s completed in about five … Continue reading →

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Up In The Air (nearly)

Posted on February 23, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

I first discovered John Schabel’s melancholy and haunting photos years ago in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. In his series entitled “Passengers”, each evocative image was taken during that uncertain limbo that occurs when passengers have been seated in … Continue reading →

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New York Is A Trip

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

German film student Lena Steinkühler created the trippy little film below entitled “New York Biotopes”. It is a phantasmagoric take on how NYC might look if the infastructure began randomly morphing into surrealistic creatures—part organic and part mechanical. Take a … Continue reading →

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Neon Valentine

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

Throughout the month of February, London-based artist Tracey Emin is warming the hearts of visitors to New York City’s chilly Times Square with her romanticaly themed project “I Promise to Love You”. Every night from 11:57 until midnight, forty large … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Tourism, Uncategorized, USA | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

A Terminal, Not A Station

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Brian D. Butler

On February 1, 1913, more than 150,000 curious New Yorkers crowded into the new Grand Central Terminal to gape at the city’s revolutionary transportation hub. Situated in the heart of Manhattan at Park Avenue and 42nd Street, the marvel of … Continue reading →

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