Inspired by the Essence of Westbury, Darryl Westly Unveils ’Illuminations'

In time for the fall season, the MTA Arts and Design unveiled a new public art commission at LIRR Westbury Station by New York visual artist Darryl Westly. “Illuminations” is a vital reflection of the people and places of Westbury in Long Island.

The commission is based on original paintings by Westly which have been turned into 782 square feet of painted glass by Glasmalerei Peters Studio, and 140 square feet of etched metal work fabricated by KCFabrications.

Drawing on various parts of past and present, Westley uses patterns inspired by Wampum Belt designs to juxtapose Tuskegee Airmen, farm stands, and the local children’s library. Thus creating a template for Westbury’s future through glass, metal, and shadow.

“With this project, I've been thinking quite a bit about how certain forms of decoration are also an outlet for either interrogation or reverence,” said Westly. “My hope with this work, through its use of picturesque landscapes juxtaposed with iconography of the perils within America, Westbury, and New York, is that it prompts an opportunity to parse through the different elements of history and everyday life, creating an understanding that all those things are part of a legacy—a legacy that I live as an American.”