The Freedom Tunnel is what the Amtrak runs through under Riverside Park. The name, however, comes from the graffiti artist Chris 'Freedom' Pape who used the tunnel to showcase some of his most famous work. Before the Amtrak took over the tunnel was home to some 100 homeless people, which is another reason for the name, as the tunnel provided 'free' space.
The tunnel now draws graffiti artists and explorers, which we were last week as we made the trek uptown to 125th street. Wherever there is a flash of light provided from the grates in Riverside Park, the walls are filled with artwork from both notable and amateur artists. It's a pretty cool experience and was surprisingly easy to get to.
The next day we kept the graffiti theme going and visited 5Pointz in Long Island City. The name represents the five boroughs of New York City, all coming together as one. Again, another amazing showcase of work, however, it's almost like a museum, filled with hordes of tourists. It didn't feel authentic at all, especially as the artists have to 'audition'. That being said there is a lot of cool work from a lot of famous artists from all over the world.
(for more photographs visit my Photography Blog)
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