Washington Station
Running for the Blue Line, 1997
Elliott Pinkney, artist
Pinkney repainted Washington Station in a bright color scheme: red, blue, yellow and green. Contributing to the excitement and energy of the station is Running for the Blue Line, a group of three metal cut out figures that gives the work its name and captures the hard-working spirit of this industrial community. A series of brightly painted metal cut-out steel panels with cut out patterns are attached to the fences on either side of the tracks. Looking at the patterns one might discover faces, a dragon, an African mask and other cultural symbols. Other elements in the work include modifications to the station entry marker emphasizing the new color scheme and a series of colorful banners.
"The Washington Station now wears a variety of colors to give it new meaning and purpose. Located in a highly grey, industrial section, the station now serves as a colorful island and a beacon in the community."