Donald Trump’s unexpected triumph over Hillary Clinton has sent a rift through the political consciousness of the United States. Thousands have taken to the streets in protest, while many who have long shunned the political establishment are suddenly being thrust into the mainstream.
This post-election stress is now dotting the walls of a Manhattan subway station. Thousands are pouring their political souls onto sticky notes for the whole world to see, thanks to a Brooklyn, N.Y. artist.
The idea behind 28-year-old Matthew “Levee” Chavez’s project is to give a voice those who feel like they were not heard in the 18-month long campaign and election.
Chavez set up a table in a long tunnel of the Union Square station where he hands out the blank pastel notes for commuters to scribble messages on. He calls this “Subway Therapy.”
“After the election, I felt like a lot of people might be stressed,” he says. “I wanted to channel that energy into something that was really good, something that could create more of a community.”
Chavez figures about 6,000 messages have been stuck to the wall of the subway station since he started handing out materials. He lost track at some point.
Most of sticky notes feature a short affirmational message or free verse poem.
“I don’t trust darkness. Just be a light. Let it shine through darkness. Let it shine through night. God will prevail. Show love. Spread love,” said one anonymous message.
Chavez has collected a hefty stack of the inspirational post-its, though he has no idea what he is going to do with them when he stops the initiative.
“It’s not really about me. It’s about channeling the energy of the community and New York and people around the world,” he says. “If people want to see them and they want them up in certain places, I am really interested in giving people that.”
With files from The Associated Press.
