STRAPHANGERS GET SOL

the columbus circle station at 59th street has been brightened up with a rainbow of colored porcelain tiles, which were installed to celebrate artist sol lewitt's 82nd birthday.

lewitt rose to fame during the late 1960s with a series of wall paintings that were part of an effort to break free from the limitations of canvas.

"lewitt's genius comes through in this artwork, which is a major work of precision with its curves and bands in vibrant color that completely fills the space. it will become a landmark and is a great tribute to one of our major artists," said mta chairman h. dale hemmerdinger.

the artwork by the late lewitt is part of a larger mta project for the columbus circle station, which is expected to be complete by march 2010. other planned renovations include new flooring, lighting, a passenger restroom and a retail arcade.