Queens, New York – February 2, 2024 – Passengers traveling through John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 4 can now immerse themselves in a diverse mix of art ranging from digital and photography exhibits to a vibrant mural, as JFKIAT – the operator of Terminal 4 – unveiled a series of art installtions as part of the T4 Arts & Culture program.
The installations feature a digital and static photography exhibit in collaboration with the Cradle of Aviation Museum, a mural representing Queens by local artist Zeehan Wazed, and a series of photographs captured by T4 employees who share their passion for aviation. Passengers will also experience a hologram installation in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society featuring extensive video elements about wildlife and wild places, including a hologram experience of Bronx Zoo’s animals and its director, Jim Breheny. The T4 Arts & Culture program presents a curated, ongoing series of installations, exhibits and performances within T4 throughout the year that represent the full New York City experience, from local art to food, culture and beyond. As the program moves forward, T4 will also house a collection of permanent art installations in the future.
Proudly reflecting on his home in Queens, local artist Zeehan Wazed depicts a vibrant, intricate design through his painted mural that demonstrates the borough’s heritage as the gathering place of New York’s diverse communities– and T4’s identity as the world’s gateway to New York City. From the henna on the streets of Hillside to the boomboxes on Jamaica Avenue, the Unisphere and more, Wazed’s mural – located at Gate B25 – reflects the hustle and bustle of Queens as well as the communities that intertwine to form the diverse tapestry of New York City, creating a sense of place and belonging for passengers traveling through T4.
“Having grown up close to JFK Airport in Jamaica, Queens, I strive to encapsulate all of Queens and its many cultures and demographics through my artwork,” said Zeehan Wazed. “I hope this installation will commemorate the surrounding neighborhood which I call home.”
Launching in celebration of Aviation History Month, From Idlewild to JFK presents a digital and static photography exhibition in collaboration with the Cradle of Aviation Museum that speaks to the history of JFK Airport. Located in the A-Concourse, the installation tells the story of how JFK Airport was established, highlighting the evolution of its predecessor, Idlewild Airport, from a group of makeshift buildings into a ‘jet-set city’ with spectacular buildings.
"The Cradle of Aviation Museum is proud to collaborate with JFK Terminal 4 in this new exhibit,” said Andrew Parton, President, Cradle of Aviation Museum. “As an institution dedicated to preserving New York’s aviation history, we are thrilled to have this opportunity to showcase the history of JFK."
From sloths to alligators, pelicans, warthogs and more, passengers traveling through T4 can encounter a variety of animals from the Bronx Zoo through an immersive holographic experience featuring Bronx Zoo Director Jim Breheny. The hologram is part of a new partnership between JFKIAT and the Wildlife Conservation Society, which features a mix of engaging and informative content that also includes micro videos that showcase terrestrial and marine animals and a short film that highlights the work of the Wildlife Conservation Society around the globe. Additionally, the partnership emphasizes the sustainability efforts of T4.
As passengers make their way through T4’s Retail Hall, they can browse through a gallery of photographs of various airplanes that were taken by several of the terminal’s employees. Each individual’s passion for aviation shines through in their photographs, inspiring young travelers through their work. The exhibition features:
- Vincenzo Pace, director, Airport Solutions, at Unity Electric. Pace is a published professional aviation and aerial photographer and a lifelong aviation enthusiast. His photography has been published in various print and online publications worldwide, and has a respected following in the global aviation community. Born and raised in Queens, Pace is very involved in the JFK community, serving as the secretary of the JFK Airport Rotary and as an active member of the JFK Airport Chamber of Commerce and KAAMCO.
- Shubham Singh, an electrical and computer engineer, and assistant project manager for Terminal Redevelopment at JFKIAT. Singh was born in India and grew up in Queens and has a passion for aviation that he showcases through his Instagram page, @Airtographer.
- Edilson Norena, airside operations manager for JFKIAT. Born in Colombia and currently residing in Rockaway Beach, Norena holds a Bachelor of Science in aviation maintenance management and is passionate about airport terminal operations. He enjoys sharing his experience from ‘inside the airfield fence’ on social media with the goal of motivating others to pursue a career in aviation.
The T4 Arts & Culture program is part of JFKIAT’s and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey’s commitment to supporting the local community and providing enriching experiences for travelers that epitomize New York City. JFKIAT formed a committee to facilitate the program, including the Museum of the City of New York, Delta Air Lines, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Terminal Four Airline Consortium.
