6. Yab-Yum at 34th Street-Herald Square Station
This incredibly easy to miss installation was created by artist David Provan, known for his abstract sculptures, in 1992. It consists of a series of red wind paddles hanging against the east wall of the station. Provan’s idea was that each 12-inch paddle would delicately turn and flutter due to the wind generated by departing and approaching trains. The paddles may mimic commuters’ hair flying while their train pulls into the station. The varying amounts of wind would send the bright paddles floating and tilting, becoming an entertaining hidden find for passersby. Today, the once vibrantly colored pieces are quite dirty and could use a good cleaning!
