Matthew Chavez, creator of “Subway Therapy”, speaks to Mission about the importance of public art and collective participation.
The morning of November 6th was a gloomy one in New York City. The city air felt still as New Yorkers had little interest in interacting with one another due to feelings of numbness, uncertainty and anger following the results of the presidential election. And although New Yorkers may not have felt like verbally voicing their feelings, an emotional outlet could be found in one of the most congested places in the city: the New York City subway.
Public art project, Subway Therapy, is located in the passageway between 14th Street stations on Sixth and Seventh avenues. The project was started after the 2016 presidential election by public art designer, Matthew Chavez, to invite subway goers to share their thoughts, feelings and experiences. As people walk by they are welcome to share their thoughts — whatever they may be — on a pastel colored sticky-note. Participation fuels the project which is open to the public. Subway Therapy is a part of the non-profit organization Listening Lab which Chavez co-founded in 2021.
Mission speaks to Chavez about his work of public art and the importance of community, conversation and human expression.
Mission: Can you share a little bit about how Subway Therapy started? Where did you come up with the idea for the project?
MC: After a motorbike accident in 2015 I was off my feet for 2 months. I was in pain, but I was so grateful for my family, friends, and the strangers that helped me. It got me thinking, “How do people feel better about the things they feel bad about?” and I started exploring that idea through action. The first project was called New York Secret Keeper, and I would invite strangers to share a secret with me as a way to feel unburdened. Early in 2016 that work evolved into Subway Therapy when I started doing faux therapy sessions, 1 on 1 conversations, with people walking by a makeshift office I would set up at different stations. Then after the 2016 election I brought post-its and writing materials to my “office” and invited people to write and that’s the project most people know today.
“I started doing faux therapy sessions, 1 on 1 conversations, with people walking by a makeshift office I would set up at different stations. Then after the 2016 election I brought post-its and writing materials to my “office” and invited people to write.”
Mission: How does Subway Therapy fit into Listening Lab’s overall mission?
MC: Subway Therapy aligns seamlessly with Listening Lab’s mission to foster genuine human connections through the practice of listening. Both projects are about creating safe spaces for people to express themselves and feel heard. Listening Lab takes the principles of Subway Therapy—openness, empathy, and community engagement—and expands them into structured programs and activations that encourage deeper conversations and understanding among participants.
For the most part Subway Therapy is a project, and in name somewhat niche. As I started thinking about how to share the path I took toward success as an artist with others, I wanted to fold in a broader vision that Subway Therapy could be a part of. Which is really exciting because while I love Subway Therapy, I’m more of a starter, and Listening Lab is the perfect incubator and testing ground for other explorations in social connection. Most importantly, the organization provides collaboration and growth opportunities for aspiring community builders and creators to engage in this vital work.
Mission: What is the importance of holding and displaying Subway Therapy in a place as visible and congested as the New York City subway system?
MC: Therapy in high-traffic areas, just about anyone could have the opportunity to participate. It transforms part of a mundane commute into an opportunity for reflection and connection. The visibility amplifies the project’s impact, allowing messages to reach a broader audience and encouraging more people to participate or follow suit. It’s important to meet people where they are. I live in NYC, so that’s the subway.
Mission: How does public art and Subway Therapy speak to larger themes of community, public participation, and togetherness?
MC: Public art like Subway Therapy invites everyone to be part of the creative process, breaking down barriers between artist and audience. It fosters a sense of community by highlighting shared emotions and experiences. When people contribute their thoughts alongside others’, it creates what has been called a mosaic of human expression. This participation cultivates empathy and understanding, reminding us that we’re all connected despite our individual journeys. More often than not in a busy city like New York people keep to themselves. There is an epidemic of loneliness, and division is a looming threat in America. It’s imperative to explore the role public art plays in addressing these issues, and my hope is more attention and funding can move towards these works.
Mission: Your project was a huge hit following the 2016 presidential election and again after the outcome of the current election. Why is it so important to let people vent during emotional and uncertain times?
“Subway Therapy offers a non-judgmental space for individuals to articulate their feelings, which can be incredibly cathartic. It also helps people realize they’re not alone in their emotions.”
MC: During times of upheaval and uncertainty, people need outlets to process their emotions. Venting provides a release for stress, anxiety, and frustration. Subway Therapy offers a non-judgmental space for individuals to articulate their feelings, which can be incredibly cathartic. It also helps people realize they’re not alone in their emotions, fostering a sense of solidarity and community support that’s crucial for social cohesion.
Something I noticed in both instances of Subway Therapy after elections is how quickly people’s thoughts move away from the event and toward what individuals really care about. The challenges they are moving through, supporting others, and celebrating beloved people. It is obvious that people need these opportunities, they tell me everyday, to express themselves within the context of community.
Mission: I saw you posted about doing more pop-ups in the coming months, and expanding the project outside of New York City. What do you envision for the future of Subway Therapy?
MC: The future of Subway Therapy is looking bright. People have reached out from all over the place. Small towns in the US, and larger cities abroad like Barcelona. I hope Subway Therapy can act as a blueprint for others hoping to bring their communities closer together. I believe there is a gap between intention and action that actions like these can help to close.
Aside from others doing their own versions, my plan is to do pop-ups in NYC as often as I can! The Listening Lab crew is wonderful, and we’re planning to Subway Therapy across New York. We’ve been talking with community leaders in the Bronx and Queens so the next pop-ups will likely be there.
Mission: Some notes from the project are posted to the digital sticky note archive following a Subway Therapy pop up. Why is it important to memorialize people’s thoughts and feelings in an archive?
MC: Archiving the notes preserves the collective memory of a specific moment in time. It allows us to reflect on the emotions and concerns that were prevalent, serving as a historical snapshot. By memorializing these messages, we honor the participants’ voices and provide future generations with insight into our shared experiences. It’s a way to extend the impact of the project beyond its physical presence.
Mission: What has been the response from the public? And have you noticed a certain person stops by and engages?
“It’s wonderful to see how individuals open up and share personal thoughts, from simple daily musings to profound reflections. There’s no single type of person who engages, but older men are the least likely to participate. Given that older men are often in positions of influence, it worries me that they are the least likely to take pause.”
MC: The public response has been overwhelmingly positive. People from all walks of life have participated—locals, tourists, students, professionals. It’s wonderful to see how individuals open up and share personal thoughts, from simple daily musings to profound reflections. There’s no single type of person who engages, but older men are the least likely to participate. Given that older men are often in positions of influence, it worries me that they are the least likely to take pause, or reflect when offered a spontaneous opportunity. With any luck, works like these can help break the stigma around men engaging with emotions.
Mission: Has the MTA supported you being there?
MC: Initially, Subway Therapy was an unsanctioned project, but as it gained popularity and people saw its positive impact, I developed a relationship with the MTA. It’s still not a sanctioned project, but I like to say that we have an understanding. I still get kicked out of different subway stations, but it’s part of the thrill. I also don’t want it to be on the table for everyone. Not everyone is suited for receiving the weight of people’s emotions, and stewardship of an ephemeral community space is a niche skill. So for now, I’m fine with the way things are, but I believe there should be a pathway towards doing sanctioned social good projects across the city. For those with the intention to make the community around them better, we should give them all the support we can.
All images courtesy of Subway Therapy.
