Meet four artists behind the public art you'll see at L.A. Metro's new D Line stations – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Los Angeles – Riders stepping onto the three new D Line extension stations today encounter nine original public artworks that turn underground platforms and entrances into distinctive spaces. The commissions, placed at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega, mark the first phase of the subway extension to open on May 8, 2026. Four Los Angeles-based artists received prominent roles in shaping the visual identity of these stops.
Why the Commissions Stand Out
Public art on transit projects often serves as a quiet counterpoint to daily commutes. Here the works respond directly to the neighborhoods along Wilshire Boulevard, drawing from local architecture, history and landscape. The result gives passengers immediate visual anchors as they move between Koreatown, Hancock Park and the Miracle Mile.
Site-Specific Approaches at Each Station
At Wilshire/La Brea, Eamon Ore-Giron and Fran Siegel created pieces that reference the corridor’s layered past and changing streetscape. Ore-Giron’s geometric patterns echo Art Deco details while looking forward, and Siegel’s layered sequences blend above-ground and subterranean views. Wilshire/Fairfax features Karl Haendel’s large-scale drawings that invite reflection on everyday surroundings. The works sit near entrances and escalators, prompting riders to notice small details in their routine. Wilshire/La Cienega highlights Todd Gray’s photographic compositions that juxtapose archival architectural drawings with contemporary elements. These pieces occupy glass entrance plazas and landing walls, connecting the station to the area’s historic buildings.
How the Artists Work With Transit Spaces
Each artist adapted their established practice to the scale and flow of subway environments. Ore-Giron’s bright abstractions gain new energy against concrete walls. Siegel’s collaged tapestries create sequences that unfold as people walk past. Haendel’s detailed drawings function as visual prompts rather than static images. Gray’s layered photographs examine memory and place in a setting built for movement. The nine total artworks across the three stations include additional contributions, yet the four highlighted artists anchor the project’s most visible elements. Their pieces integrate with architecture instead of competing with it.
What Riders Can Expect Going Forward
The new stations improve connections between downtown Los Angeles and Mid-Wilshire neighborhoods. The public art adds a layer of local character that evolves with each ride. As more sections of the D Line extension open in coming years, similar commissions will continue to shape the system. These initial works demonstrate how carefully chosen artists can turn functional infrastructure into something passengers notice and remember.
