The transition from MetroCards to the OMNY contactless payment system marks a significant change in New York City’s transportation landscape, leaving many long-time commuters with mixed feelings. The M.T.A. officially ceased the sale of MetroCards on December 31st, which has been replaced entirely by this modern tap-and-go system. This change has evoked nostalgia among residents who fondly remember the iconic yellow-and-blue cards, especially for those like Nina Boesch, an artist based in Brooklyn.
Boesch has dedicated over twenty-five years to transforming these now-retired cards into captivating collages that reflect various aspects of New York City culture, from landmarks like Yankee Stadium to pop culture icons like Andy Warhol and Pizza Rat. The artist, who trained at the Rhode Island School of Design, creates her art by meticulously cutting the cards into pieces and reassembling them into intricate designs. Prices for her work range from ninety dollars for small pieces to over ten thousand for larger commissioned works.
Her journey into art began as an initiative to clean up litter in subway stations. In 2001, as a young artist from Germany, she collected discarded MetroCards, often met with curiosity or suspicion from passersby. Despite the hurdles she faced in her early attempts to gather materials, Boesch has built a successful business around her unique creations.
In her studio, Boesch preserves a treasured collection of over seventy thousand MetroCards, spanning various editions and themes. Some special cards include a limited edition from the system’s inception and a tribute to David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust, among many others. Boesch’s work has gained recognition over the years, with pieces owned by notable figures such as Michael Bloomberg and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
While she expresses sadness over the loss of the MetroCard era, Boesch understands the environmental and cultural rationale behind the M.T.A.’s decision. She believes that this shift could spark renewed interest in her art, as many will likely develop a nostalgia for the old fare cards. With a stockpile of cards anticipated to last for decades, Boesch’s commitment to her craft seems secure, even as she embraces the new era of urban commuting. As New York city continues to evolve, artists like Boesch help capture its spirit and history through creativity and innovation.