The Americas, Weird, Odd & Just Plain Fun

In a city like New York– home to more than 8.5 million  people- the quickest form of transport is often the jam packed, sweltering subways. Confusing for visitors, disliked by locals- the underground train system can be grim for many.

 

Random balloon animal on the subway. #balloon #ballonanimals #subway #nyc #nycsubway #onlyinnyc

A photo posted by Cathy Taveras (@cathytaveras) on May 5, 2016 at 3:22pm PDT

 

 

But a Queens resident took it upon himself to try and brighten the journey for some of the millions of commuters who rely on it every day, one balloon animal at a time. Starting out as an anonymous balloon artist, 31-year-old Sean Cunningham began to leave animal shaped balloons on subway lines around Queens and the city in a bid to inject some joy into people’s day, according to the New York Post.

 

 

He told the publication:  ‘I walked into a dollar store by my apartment and saw a pack of rubber balloons and thought it would be a cheap way to make people smile.  In New York, everyone is so busy and stressed and don’t look at you on the subway… So it’s nice to bring a little joy into their day.’ Cunningham’s random acts of artistry were first noticed back in May, and since his creations have been spotted on the N,6 and L train lines. The chef and photographer has now named his Instagram account ‘Balloon_Graffiti’ and says he is ‘ballooning NYC one balloon animal at a time’.

 

Subway art balloon pig

A photo posted by JD (@poloboy8665) on Apr 23, 2016 at 5:07pm PDT

 

Some of his creations include hanging monkeys, horses and so-called monkey ‘pole hogs’ which are wrapped around the prime space on poles in subway cars. Locals who came across the little creations told the Post seeing them was ‘definitely an ‘only in NYC’ moment’ and another enthused that after a long day in work, ‘he really brightened my day’. A local high school student told the publication that she appreciated Mr Cunningham’s gesture, adding:  ‘It was sweet to see someone do something nice for other people.’