Titled “Bronx River,” the two mosaic artworks at E 149 St Station by artist Glenn Goldberg depict the flora and fauna of the Bronx River and its surroundings, created through the artist’s stylized use of dots, patterns, and representational imagery. Fabricated by Miotto Mosaic Art Studios with Travisanutto Mosaics, the installation comprises approximately 350 square feet.   

“Bronx River” is an exuberant evocation of the many natural wonders that exist in the artist’s native Bronx, including the New York Botanical Garden, The Bronx Zoo, Orchard Beach, Pelham Bay Park, and, of course, the Bronx River, New York City’s only freshwater river. Once heavily polluted with industrial waste, the river has seen remarkable recovery in its water quality, thanks to efforts by environmental groups that have worked together to restore, clean, and rebuild it for community members and tourists alike.

“While creating the work, I thought about all the adults, workers, and youth, who ride the subway daily, and hope this installation brings joy and also inspires a curiosity about animals, nature and history of both the Bronx and its namesake river,” said artist Glenn Goldberg.

The artwork features a variety of real and imagined plants, trees, and animal inhabitants that populated the vibrant riverbank and its surroundings. The egret, mallard duck, and English house sparrow are portrayed and set against a striking patterned background that flows horizontally across the wall, mimicking the movement of a river. The artworks are found across from the turnstiles within the mezzanine area, greeting customers upon entering the station and exiting to the platforms. Goldberg’s mural is a testament to nature’s enduring resiliency, and the important role that human beings play in helping to preserve the natural world.

Glenn Goldberg was born in the Bronx and lives in Manhattan. He has taught at various institutions including The Cooper Union, NY Studio School, Brandeis University, Queens College, and Parsons School of Design. Goldberg studied at the New York Studio School and earned his BA and MFA degrees from Queens College. He has received grants from The Guggenheim Foundation, The Edward Albee Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and The Joan Mitchell Foundation. The artist utilizes a broad palette for the creation of his unique compositions that encompass intricate lines, assorted marks and details. Inspired by decorative tapestries, ancient calligraphy, rugs and Shaker furniture his pieces often contain signs and symbols but are not meant to be read literally. The works are akin to dreams that encourage the viewer to discover, meander and absorb. Glenn Goldberg has exhibited extensively including Willard Gallery NY, Betty Cuningham Gallery NY, Dart Gallery Chicago, Knoedler and Co. NY. Barbara Krakow Gallery Boston, Galerie Albrecht, Munich, and Hill Gallery Birmingham MI. His work is found in various museum collections including The National Gallery, Washington, D.C., The Metropolitan Museum, New York, NY, Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, CA, Brooklyn Museum of Art, NY; High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA; Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO; and Rose Art Museum, Waltham, MA.