Subway Therapy: New Yorkers Express Emotions Through Colorful Post-Its
At the 14th Street and Sixth Avenue subway station in New York, colorful post-its with messages from various people cover a tunnel. New Yorkers express their thoughts publicly and anonymously, sharing emotions, especially about current events like the presidential election. Messages include “Oh my god, why Trump?” and “Be kind.”
This project, called Subway Therapy, began in 2016 and remains relevant. Matthew “Levee” Chavez created it and has received awards like the Municipal Art Society’s Brendan Gill Prize.
Chavez describes Subway Therapy as a challenging artistic project. He notes that some people can be violent, damaging post-its and yelling. Despite the challenges, he enjoys bringing art to unexpected places outside museums and galleries.
The idea for Subway Therapy grew from an earlier project called New York Secret Keeper. Chavez moved to New York in late 2015 and wanted to hear people’s secrets to help them feel better. He spent hours daily on the subway, talking to around 30 people each day.
The secrets he collected were mostly humorous, with stories like a friend spending $5,000 from another’s bank account. Although his previous project aimed for exhibition at the Smithsonian, COVID-19 halted those plans. He also created The Secret Phone installation for people to anonymously share their secrets.
Chavez aims to connect people through his projects, finding satisfaction in watching strangers engage in conversation. He acknowledges the division in America and hopes to create unity through his work.
What inspired Matthew “Levee” Chavez to start Subway Therapy in New York City?
Title: Subway Therapy: An Artistic Conversation in the Heart of New York City
Interviewer: Emily Ramirez, News Editor, NewsDirectory3.com
Interviewee: Matthew “Levee” Chavez, Creator of Subway Therapy
Emily Ramirez: Thank you for joining me today, Matthew. Subway Therapy has become such a significant part of the 14th Street and Sixth Avenue subway station. Can you tell us how it all started back in 2016?
Matthew Chavez: Absolutely, Emily. The project started in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election. I was overwhelmed by the division I saw in society, and I wanted to create a space where people could express their feelings openly. I started placing colorful Post-its on the walls of the subway station, encouraging New Yorkers to share their thoughts anonymously. What developed was a powerful and often cathartic dialogue among the city’s inhabitants.
Emily Ramirez: Your project encourages public expression. How have you seen the content of the messages evolve over the years?
Matthew Chavez: The messages have certainly reflected the zeitgeist of their times. Initially, many people expressed anxiety and fear surrounding the election. As time went on, I noticed a shift toward messages of hope, kindness, and resilience. Recent messages touch on various societal issues, showing how the community’s thoughts and feelings adapt as circumstances evolve. It’s remarkable to witness this ongoing conversation.
Emily Ramirez: Your initiative has received awards, including the Brendan Gill Prize from the Municipal Art Society. How has this recognition impacted the project?
Matthew Chavez: Recognition has been incredibly validating. It shows that art can have a social impact, which amplifies the voices participating in Subway Therapy. It motivates me to maintain the project and inspire others to engage in dialogue. However, the real success lies in how the community embraces the project. The messages shared by New Yorkers are what truly matter.
Emily Ramirez: The anonymity of the messages certainly adds to the project’s appeal. Why did you choose this approach?
Matthew Chavez: Anonymity allows individuals to be vulnerable without fear of judgment. It creates a safe space where people can express their fears, hopes, and frustrations candidly. I believe everyone has a story worth sharing, and this medium allows for those stories to come to the forefront without barriers.
Emily Ramirez: In your view, what role does art play in public spaces like subway stations, particularly in a bustling city like New York?
Matthew Chavez: Art in public spaces serves as a bridge—connecting diverse groups of people through shared experiences and emotions. The subway is often where we feel the weight of collective anxieties, rush, and isolation. By transforming that environment into a space of expression, Subway Therapy fosters a sense of unity, reminds us we are not alone, and encourages civic discourse.
Emily Ramirez: As current events continue to unfold—like the upcoming presidential election—what do you hope people will take away from Subway Therapy now more than ever?
Matthew Chavez: I want people to recognize the importance of community and understanding. We should listen to each other, especially during heated times. Through shared feelings, we can heal divisions. My hope is that Subway Therapy continues to be a testament to the resilience and compassion of New Yorkers, reminding us to be kind and supportive of one another.
Emily Ramirez: Thank you, Matthew, for sharing your insights on Subway Therapy. Your work is not just art; it’s a movement that resonates deeply with many.
Matthew Chavez: Thank you, Emily. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this important project!
For those interested in exploring these shared messages, visit the 14th Street and Sixth Avenue subway station and witness the vibrant tapestry of thoughts created by the community. Through Subway Therapy, New York City continues to teach us about empathy, kindness, and the power of expression, one Post-it at a time.
His projects remind people of initiatives like Humans of New York and The Strangers Project. Chavez has a personal connection to these projects through Brandon, the director of The Strangers Project, who was his roommate.
While most of his work is altruistic, Chavez also finds ways to earn money through exhibitions, partnerships, and books. He has published two books: Art in Action and Signs of Hope. He currently works as an event producer for Idealist.org, promoting community engagement.
Chavez’s next project, called What is America Tour, coincides with America’s 250th anniversary. He plans to travel to locations like Florida, Ohio, and the Deep South to have discussions aimed at finding common ground.
Chavez mentions his diverse background, stating his great-grandfather was Spanish and married an Indigenous woman in New Mexico. He identifies as a mix of Italian, Czech, Mexican, and Spanish.