In an effort to bring vibrancy and tranquility to the hustle and bustle of New York City's Penn Station, artist Rico Gatson has unveiled a striking new art installation. Nestled in the Upper-Level Main Rotunda between the 8th Avenue Amtrak Departure Concourse and 7th Avenue NJ TRANSIT Concourse, Gatson's artwork is set to captivate commuters for the next six months.

The art installation, titled "Untitled (Collective Light Transfer)," encompasses a series of colorful shapes and patterns, drawing inspiration from Native American and African Indigenous cultures. Gatson aimed to infuse the space with spirituality and tranquility while simultaneously reflecting the dynamic movement and political consciousness of the city itself.

While Penn Station is often associated with chaos and a lack of sunlight, the new installation illuminates the usually-gloomy environment, creating a rare sense of calmness. Gatson describes his intention as going beyond physical brightness and aiming to provide a serene atmosphere amidst the rush of daily life.

"It's a real honor and privilege to be able to activate a space like this in the center of the city," Gatson expressed in an interview with Time Out New York. In an ever-changing world, the artist believes that art should compel individuals to pause and reflect. Gatson understands the importance of creating an experience that resonates with commuters navigating their way through the station.

The installation is part of the Art at Amtrak initiative, a program that commissions exhibitions for Penn Station by artists from New York and New Jersey. Gatson joins a notable list of artists including Shoshanna Weinberger, David Rios Ferreira, and Derrick Adams, who have used their creative talents to transform this iconic space.

For Gatson, a New York-based artist, the opportunity to contribute to the transformation of Penn Station holds a special significance. "When you're here, you kind of cue Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind. I feel like I've arrived, this is a moment. I'm a New Yorker," Gatson remarked, recalling the striking impact of being in the heart of the city.

The artwork is poised to engage passersby with its vibrant colors and dynamic forms. Penn Station visitors are encouraged to take a moment to appreciate the fusion of traditional and contemporary elements found within the installation. Gatson's work serves as a reminder of the power of art to create moments of solace and contemplation within the busy urban landscape.

As commuters walk through the Upper-Level Main Rotunda of Penn Station over the next six months, they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Gatson's thought-provoking and captivating artistic creation.