John BurnsideBroadway between W 50th St and W 51st StHeart Two · Location 152 · Drawn September 20021234Select a number to open a drawing state.The published 2006 collage is shown above. The numbered links open archival images. Use your browser’s Back button to return here.PhotographsDownload photograph 1Download photograph 2Download photograph 3Download photograph 4Download photograph 5Video podcast0:00John on a set of stairs west of Broadway.0:03It's the stairs that lead down to the 50th Street Station, line one.0:07The stairs that we drew the figure on are the stairs on the north side.0:11On the third stair up from the first platform, on the granite black wall facing to the west,0:16we drew this fireman climbing the stairs.0:18You know you're in the right place when you're submerged below the surface of the sidewalk0:22and you're in a square, empty plaza with advertising adorning the awnings.0:28This is John Burnside. He was drawn in September of 2002. His drawing is counting five people.0:36Drawing in public spaces is an odd mix of right and wrong. The intentions are all arguably very0:43good, but because of the nature and preciousness of preserving unmarked public spaces, there are0:49forces who have the duty to make sure they stay unaltered. Everyone has a job to do.0:55It was with great fortune that the keeper of this space let us do ours.1:02His fellow firefighters never razzed John Burnside about writing poems and songs.1:06Most didn't know he nurtured those talents.1:09Burnside caught plenty of grief, though, for being a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan.1:13After all, he grew up and worked in Manhattan.← Location 151Heart Two · Location 152Location 153 →
