In the bustling heart of Manhattan, amid the roar of trains and the endless flow of commuters, a gateway to an alternative dimension has opened. It is Abstract Futures, the new public artwork by the feminist art collective Hilma’s Ghost. This glass mosaic, created in collaboration with Miotto Mosaic Art Studios, spans an area of 600 square feet and is installed at the entrance to the 7 Line at 42nd Street–Grand Central Station.

Founded in 2020 by Sharmistha Ray and Dannielle Tegeder, Hilma’s Ghost is a Brooklyn-based collective that explores the intersection of abstract art, spirituality, and feminism. The name pays homage to Hilma af Klint, a pioneer of spiritual abstraction, and reflects the duo’s commitment to reclaiming esoteric and symbolic practices often marginalized in the history of art.

Commissioned by the MTA Arts & Design program, Abstract Futures is a tripartite composition that guides viewers through a symbolic journey of transformation. The first panel, titled The Fool, represents the archetype of “The Fool,” a symbol of new beginnings and limitless potential. Angular forms in red, pink, and orange evoke creative intuition and the courage to embark on an unknown journey. At the center is The Wheel of Fortune, featuring shades of green and brown arranged in a cyclical pattern that recalls the natural rhythm and ever-changing nature of fortune. Concentric circles and ochre diamonds symbolize the continuous flow of destiny. The final and largest panel is The World, presenting a sky-blue triangle opposed by an inverted orange plane, symbolizing the harmony between shadow and inner wisdom. Horizontal red bars allude to the suit of wands in tarot, a symbol of regeneration and new energy.

The work seeks to offer commuters a moment of reflection, transforming a daily passage into a spiritual experience. The density of imagery, patterns, and colors represents the city’s infinite diversity — its living heartbeat.