New York City commuters officially said goodbye to the MetroCard on December 31st, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority completed its transition to the OMNY tap-and-go system. The change marks the end of an era for many riders, who first adopted the MetroCard in 1994 after a previous reliance on subway tokens.
A Shift in Transit & Art
The end of MetroCard sales has had a particular impact on Brooklyn-based artist Nina Boesch, who has spent the last twenty-five years creating collages from the discarded cards. Boesch transforms the plastic cards into depictions of subjects ranging from Lady Liberty to Pizza Rat, selling her work for prices ranging from ninety dollars to over ten thousand dollars for commissioned pieces.
Boesch’s artistic endeavor began in 2001 as an effort to reduce litter in subway stations, inspired by mandatory recycling laws in her native Germany. She initially faced suspicion from a station attendant who believed she was attempting to fraudulently resell card swipes.
A Collector’s Hoard
Boesch has amassed a substantial collection of MetroCards, storing approximately seventy thousand in a storage unit, ten thousand in her studio, and another ten thousand at home. She even keeps around two thousand cards in a single ziplock bag. Her collection includes rare and commemorative cards, such as a limited-edition inaugural card and a 2018 card featuring David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona.
Boesch’s work has attracted a notable clientele, including Michael Bloomberg, Itzhak Perlman, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Martin Scorsese. She once created a four-foot rendition of the R.M.S. Queen Elizabeth for a Hollywood client as a gift commemorating their father’s journey to the United States.
What’s Next?
While acknowledging the benefits of the OMNY system – citing its cultural relevance and environmental advantages – Boesch anticipates increased interest in her MetroCard art as nostalgia for the cards grows. She estimates her current supply of cards will last for twenty to thirty years. It is possible that demand for her work could increase as the MetroCard becomes a relic of the past. A possible next step for Boesch could be exploring new artistic mediums as her MetroCard supply diminishes. Analysts expect that the value of her existing pieces may rise as the cards become increasingly scarce.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the MetroCard first debut?
The MetroCard debuted in 1994.
What does Nina Boesch create from MetroCards?
Nina Boesch creates intricate collages depicting subjects like Lady Liberty, Yankee Stadium, and Andy Warhol from the plastic MetroCards.
How many MetroCards does Nina Boesch currently have in storage?
Nina Boesch has approximately seventy thousand MetroCards in a storage unit, ten thousand in her studio, and ten thousand at home.
As the city fully embraces OMNY, what memories of the MetroCard era resonate most strongly with you?
