# MetroCard Artwork Thomas McKean Puts an Artistic Spin on Subway Commuter Currency By Meghan Young | Published 2011-01-24 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thomas-mckean References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2011/01/metrocard-inspired-artworks.html) & [thomasmckean.blogspot](http://thomasmckean.blogspot.com/) Until I came across Thomas McKean's work, I never would have thought that the [New York City](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chess-nyc) MetroCard could be used so artistically. From [sculptures to framed artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/objects-from-frames), McKean's portfolio is quite interesting. By breathing new life into this otherwise one-dimensional [commuter currency](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/masterpeace-painting), Thomas McKean forces us to rethink an object that is used on a minute basis in one of the busiest cities in the world. Be sure to check out the rest of his work on his blog. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 55% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Artistic Metrocard:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating unique and visually appealing designs for transportation cards to enhance the commuting experience and promote local artists. - **Upcycled Currency:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Repurposing everyday currency or payment cards into art pieces, creating sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. - **Enhanced Commuter Experience:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating art and design into public transportation systems to transform the mundane commute into a visually stimulating and enjoyable experience. ### Where This Applies - **Art Galleries:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborating with artists like Thomas McKean to showcase and sell unique transportation card artwork in traditional art gallery spaces. - **Public Transportation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Partnering with artists and designers to introduce visually captivating transportation cards or branding, revitalizing the public transit experience. - **Craft Markets:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Providing a platform for artists to showcase and sell their upcycled currency and MetroCard art, offering consumers sustainable and artistic alternatives to traditional artwork. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Knitted New York Subways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/straphangers-lounge.md) - [Repurposed Waste Transit Tiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-miller.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Vibrant Public Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rico-gatson.md) - [Laser-Cut Urban Artistry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laser-cut-city-maps.md) - [Cardboard-Inspired Ceramic Household Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-collection.md) - [Miniature Artful Hip-Hop Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/danny-cortes.md) - [Plastic-Made QSR Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-canada-art-series.md) - [Large-Scale Floral Mosaics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floral-mosaics.md)