Thanks to Peter Henkelman for the tip!
Is it art?
Possibly. Depending on how you define it. If you want it to be art, then sure, call it art.
Is it activism?
In someone’s mind, it probably is. However, what the statement being made is anyone’s guess.
Is it vandalism?
Highly unlikely. But no doubt a group of people exist who’d like to pretend it is. You can be sure someone in Philadelphia is right now proposing an outright ban on knitting needle use on public transit.
Is it a mystery?
Yes, but not one many people are going to want to solve. Not less it happens again. Not unless this is the work of a serial knitter – and if you look closely, you’ll notice those are two different ‘hits.’
Is it marketing?
For someone or something, most definitely yes. Even if it’s just publicity for something as ephemeral as an idea, it’s publicity for something.
It is effective marketing?
We’re talking about it, aren’t we?
Is it legal?
Probably not, but who cares?
Is it a problem?
Only if you want it or need it to be.
8 Comments
didn’t know the aisles on NY subways were so narrow nor so clean. looks more like a bus/lrt vehicle.
Yeah. That’s definitely not a NYC subway car. From the map in the second picture, it’s SEPTA, and from the car interior, it’s the Market-Frankford line.
@ Michael,
Thanks for the tip. Good spot. Both the original sites I found this on claimed NYC. I should’ve looked closer:
http://www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=57684
http://www.break.com/pictures/new-york-subways-hit-by-phantom-knitter-2026699
No worries! It’s just a shame they weren’t cable knit, it’d belong even more on the site. Ba-dum ching…
I think there’s been a lot more “knit graffiti” in Philly (think lamp posts, bike stands, etc)—this is in keeping with that. Fairly cool random public art, as far as I’m concerned.
@ Michael,
Regarding your “cable knit” joke. Please leave this site permanently and delete us from your bookmarks. 🙂
As for other ideas of designing the city/infrastructure “with no harm” I’ve always liked this: http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/35-greatest-works-of-reverse-graffiti/1949
Especially No. 4 and the story behind.
Sorry. Unacceptable, I know, but I couldn’t resist. 🙂