New Yorkers vent Trump anger on subway Post it notes

By Thursday afternoon, it boasted some 3,000 notes, an astonishing production in just 24 hours


Afp November 11, 2016
Artist Matthew Chavez, who goes by 'Levee,' created the 'Subway Therapy' wall to offer New Yorkers a chance to write down their feelings in the wake of the presidential election. PHOTO: AFP

New York commuters are venting anger and frustration over Donald Trump's shock victory by indulging in collective therapy -- writing messages on Post-it notes and sticking them on a subway wall.

"Am I the only one who is scared?" "I need a hug" and "I am angry" number among the thousands of messages written on multicolored squares of paper fixed to a tiled wall in a tunnel at Union Square station.

Rights group monitoring reports of attacks on US minorities since Trump win

By Thursday afternoon, it boasted some 3,000 notes, an astonishing production in just 24 hours since New York artist Matthew Chavez parked himself there with a table and a sign advertising free "subway therapy." He got the idea earlier this year of setting himself up in the subway from time to time offering stressed-out New Yorkers opportunities to let off steam by writing little notes.

Post-it notes, many with politically themed messages, hang on a wall at the 6th Avenue subway station as part of a public art project entitled 'Subway Therapy,' November 10, 2016 in New York City PHOTO: AFP

Trump's stunning upset in Tuesday's presidential election has prompted protests in a city populated overwhelmingly by Democrats who voted for Hillary Clinton. The market for Chavez's project suddenly exploded.

"I think people are too on fire to have real conversations right now," he said. "They don't have to talk to anyone else, they can just express themselves, feel better maybe and then go on with their day." His small table piled with Post-it notes stands near a sign on the wall spelling out "EXPRESS YOURSELF."

Anti-Trump protesters stage 2nd day of election demonstrations

"It's great," said 33-year-old New Yorker Andrea Recarte, originally from Chile. "He is giving us an opportunity to word it, it connects us with many other people who are speechless."

"We need healthy outlets and art in writing is the healthiest outlet of all," said Terena Bell, an entrepreneur from Kentucky.

Her note read: "Donald Trump I'm praying for you."

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ