date: 11.11.2002
entitled: "Atlantic Avenue Subway Tunnel"

There�s nothing like the feeling of waking up early, partaking in an adventure, and coming home mid-afternoon for a long nap. Especially when that adventure entails climbing down a ladder into a manhole, diligently walking, hunched over, through a hole in the moist earth, and encountering an entrance to an abandoned subway tunnel.

Since over a year ago, after reading of the abandoned subway tunnels and stations throughout New York City, Joe and I have been waiting for an opportunity to attend a tour given by Bob Diamond. This man discovered the entry to the Atlantic Avenue Subway Tunnel, which had been closed off since 1861.

Well, this past week, Time Out New York listed an exhibit by Ars Subterranea, which displayed photography, sound installations, and videos, and took place in the abandoned subway tunnel!

Amongst hundreds of others waiting patiently in line, Joe and I climbed into the hole in the street, down the ladder, through an area resembling an oversized mole tunnel, and into this immense subway tunnel, complete with dirt-covered railroad ties and bricked ceiling. Every 30 yards, or so, makeshift lighting clung to the walls, barely lighting our way, a lengthy one half mile into the tunnel. Some lights were spaced farther apart, forcing us to walk through complete, black nothingness, with a large video screen at the very end of the tunnel as the only light source. Joe and I walked hand-in-hand, tripping over lumpy dirt and railroad ties, eyes open so wide they felt as though they could pop out of their sockets. I could actually FEEL my pupils ache ever so slightly. Strategically placed speakers emitted sounds of subway horns, train wheels, and various other railroad sounds, forcing our imaginations to plunk us into the tunnel as it was in the 1800�s. Occasionally, almost too late to avoid walking into them, we would come across oncoming people, barely silhouetted by the video screen.

Along the way, we came across a photography exhibit, lit just well enough to view the photos. The collection was comprised of photos different people had taken on similar excavation, discovery, and probably trespassing excursions as Mr. Diamond had enjoyed. Joe recognized the name of an MTA worker whose articles he had read, and consequently learned this guy had photographed his experiences of urban spelunking. �I�ve emailed this guy�, Joe exclaimed, very excitedly.

The video at the end of the tunnel was projected onto three, white sheets hanging from the ceiling, and depicted the grainy, shaky film of a man walking down a subway tunnel, his shadow cast on the tracks ahead of him. Eerily beautiful music accompanied the show. I immediately thought of David Lynch and 4AD records.

Upon emerging to street level, I couldn�t help the large grin on my face. What a fucking cool experience! AND, I have managed to conquer my fears of both ladders and darkness. I think�

song stuck in my head:

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