14th Street Busway mural honors Union Square as hub for connection, above and below ground
Photos by Jane Kratochvil
This year’s 14th Street Busway mural has officially been unveiled, bringing vibrant colors to the corridor and celebrating Union Square’s role as a hub for connection and exploration. Designed by New York-based artist Yuke Li, “Turning Point” features bold, abstract compositions and retro-inspired hues, with fluid shapes that mirror the movement of people and energy through the space. The mural was completed on Friday after five days of work, in collaboration with Brooklyn-based urban planning and design firm Street Plans, local volunteers, and community groups.
“Turning Point” reflects Union Square’s role as a crossroads for movement, where people gather, disperse, or start new journeys. The mural’s title and hues draw inspiration from everyday life’s pivotal moments, whether marking a personal milestone or simply transferring trains at the 14th Street–Union Square subway station.
The artwork features interwoven tubular shapes, inspired by the subway’s underground network, with twisting patterns that also nod to the Year of the Snake—a Zodiac symbol representing good fortune, growth, and new beginnings in Chinese culture, while shedding negative energy and embracing positive change.
Other featured symbols include a flower, an apple, and stacks of books—tributes to Union Square Park, the Union Square Greenmarket, and the neighborhood’s iconic bookstores. Stars symbolize hope in everyday life, channeling the energy and optimism that move people forward. These elements are strategically placed at key turning points in the mural, drawing the viewer’s eye across the piece and guiding them toward their next destination.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to create artwork for such an iconic, dynamic and historically rich part of New York City. The design is inspired by the way people move through the city and contribute to the pulse of Union Square,” Li said.
“I’ve envisioned the shapes and colors in ‘Turning Point’ to reflect both the individuality and connection found in public spaces. Through the design of ‘Turning Point,’ it is my hope that everyone who visits this vibrant space leaves with a sense of joy and positivity, ready to embark on their own journeys with renewed optimism.
Presented by the NYC Department of Transportation’s Art Program, this year’s mural marks the fifth annual installation to transform the 14th Street Busway with bold, eye-catching art. Li’s work was selected from over 68 original submissions for the annual street mural project.
“Union Square has always been a powerful place for connection as well as constant movement—both above and below our streets—where people from across the boroughs converge through our subway hub, discover eclectic shopping, theater, and dining, and come together in celebration and free expression,” Julie Stein, executive director of Union Square Partnership, said.
“Yuke Li encapsulates this dynamic energy in her design, ‘Turning Point,’ with nods to the hidden infrastructure that powers our neighborhood—the intricate network of underground systems that silently support the bustling life above.”
Last year, Queens-based artist Talisa Almonte unveiled “Flowing Together,” a mural that honored Union Square’s role as both a place to pass through and its historic ties to social movements.
In 2023, Brooklyn-based artist Vanesa Álvarez’s mural, “Union with the Universe,” featured serene designs and calming hues that celebrated the connection between humans and nature. The artwork invited spectators to slow down and reflect on their relationship with the world around them.
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