The Toy Center and the Flatiron Building are located near the 28 St subway station and Broadway, as are the flower, fur, and garment districts. Each of these areas inspired artist Mark Hadjipateras, whose glass mosaics are rendered in a playful cartoon-like style. “City Dwellers” animates the walls of the station with a series of robot-like creatures. The figures are joyous and fanciful, but closer examination reveals universal symbols and forms that reflect the neighborhood and its history: technology, toys, and commerce. These inventions invite riders to guess at their meanings; while they may seem familiar, the artist holds the key. In his proposal, Hadjipateras cited some of his plentiful sources: plants and flowers, patterns based on national flags, Greek ethnic garb, family, New York taxis, radio broadcast waves, and more. Filtered through the artist's sensibility, the result is a unique and compelling station environment.

Mark Hadjipateras studied at the Hammersmith School of Art, Central Saint Martins in London, and John Moores School of Art in Liverpool. His artistic practice includes painting, printmaking, photography, and sculpture. Hadjipateras’s work has taken him all over the world, including two decades living in New York. During his time in the United States, his work was typified by site-specific installations in galleries, public art projects, and “interventions.” Hadjipateras has participated in more than 100 group exhibitions and 30 solo shows in Europe and the United States. His work can be found in numerous public and private collections.