George Tooker, The Subway, 1950

Narrator: At first glance, this looks like an ordinary subway station. But take a close look. The station is full of people, yet each one is traveling alone. Notice how none of them are exactly the same—yet they’re eerily similar. Notice how they are not looking at each other. And what do you think of the looks on their faces?

And another thing: how do you get out? This painting by George Tooker is full of entrances and exits, yet the people appear trapped. Trapped by the low ceiling, the bars and gates to the right and left, and the strange angle of the hallways behind. This isn’t a subway station I’d want to be in. And I don't know about you, but I don't think any of these people want to be there, either.