Shantell Martin: Blurring the Lines

Shantell Martin is a British visual artist based between New York City and Los Angeles. Martin is known for her highly recognizable black and white line drawings. Her work has proven particularly popular in public art projects as well as for various brand partnerships, from Times Square and the World Trade Center to tequila and toothbrushes. Martin is a master of art for public engagement, but this got me thinking: what is the difference between public art and commercial art? I think Martin’s work can help us consider this. Below, we’ll look more closely at a selection of her pieces.

The Path: A Meditation of Lines (Times Square, 2024)

Martin’s latest installation opened in Times Square on October 1st, 2024. “The Path: A Meditation of Lines” features Martin’s trademark black-and-white drawings, sprawled across the ground of the pedestrianized plaza between 47th and 48th street. Navigating themes of intersectionality and self-discovery, Martin designed The Path to be a space for contemplation.

Alongside the 160 foot long mural, visitors can find guided meditations through Martin’s website to listen to as they walk the work the twisting path laid out for them, over phrases like, “You are in the right place at the right time.” The piece takes the viewer on a literal journey, one that ends with forward motion, pushed by contemplation and inward reflection. Martin states, "Walking, much like drawing, can empower you and move you forward — both metaphorically and physically. Putting one foot in front of the other is a simple yet powerful act, and I hope that this message and activity can be translated through this project with Times Square."

ART SUNDAE (Rockefeller Center, 2024)

Working with the Art Production Fund, Martin installed her work in Rockefeller Center, from September 3rd, 2024, to November 14th, 2024, as part of the Art in Focus free public art program. Again, the large scale drawings depict Martin’s notable style: free flowing lines and shapes that attempt to create an internal dialogue of a shared humanity. Martin expresses that the spontaneity of her work is what makes the final product unique. Martin, herself, is just as surprised with the end result as the viewer is.

ARE YOU YOU (World Trade Center/Oculus, 2019)

Martin was again commissioned by the Art Production Fund for their third installment of their video art program. Martin’s work appeared on 21 screens at the World Trade Center. Her work explores the narratives of “being yourself,” asking questions like “Are you being you?” and “Are you being true?” As viewers walk through the Oculus, they are encouraged to reflect as they go about their lives. Martin says,“The World Trade Center is my route home most of the time and these are the thoughts I've had in the space often that will now be visible on the screens.”

The May Room (Governor's Island, 2019)

The May Room, commissioned by the Trust for Governors Island’s 2019 Public Art Commission, expands on the exterior of a former military chapel which was once used for reflection, meditation, and community. Through Martin’s work, this is brought back to life. 

Brompton (2024)

In 2024, Martin collaborated with Brompton to customize a mini bike. This collaboration represents a fusion of art and utility. Merging her linework with the sleek design of the bike, Martin’s creative vision ensures that the bike is not only functional but also a work of art. 

Quip (2023)

In 2023, Martin collaborated with oral care brand Quip to lend her designs to a toothbrush and gum dispenser. “My health is crucial to fueling my creativity, but most everyday products can lack the design I enjoy being surrounded by,” Martin says. “I hope this collection inspires people to live a happier, healthier, and more artistic life.”

Adidas (2021)

In 2021, Martin partnered with Adidas on a range of apparel and shoes via their MakerLab space, located on the second floor of the JD Flagship store in New York City’s Times Square. “The work at its core is a celebration of women and the Black experience, and to the future, where the barriers we face today will no longer exist.” Martin said, “As a Black woman, this work is very personal to me.”

1800 Tequila (2018)

Martin joined 1800 Tequila’s Essential Artists series in 2018.The series has been running since 2008 and has featured work by 43 contemporary artists (including Nathan Fox, Shepard Fairey, Hannah Stoufer, Yuko Shimizu, and more). Martin was only the second person to design the full suite. She was also the first woman. 

Max Mara (2017)

In 2017, Martin collaborated with Max Mara for the limited collection “Prism in Motion.” As Shantell explained, she wanted people to be able to “wear the [art]work, walk away with it and experience it in a completely new way.”

The Bottom Line

There is a widespread sentiment that making art too “accessible” — for example by selling it on mugs, t-shirts, toothbrushes or sunglasses — decreases its “value.” 

The great thing about public art is that it disconnects us from the world. We live in a capitalist society in which we’re always thinking about money and purchasing. Public art allows us to simply look and experience – without any monetary factor. Outside of the usual transactional nature, when we’re not blinded by cost or expectations, we can learn from and see what the art expresses more clearly.

In this way, commercial art—by its nature— is not public, and public art cannot be commercial. Martin’s numerous brand collaborations for products at varying pricepoints definitely make it easier for more people to “own” art they like. But they don’t necessarily make it easier for people to experience that art. 

This isn’t good or bad, I don’t think one is better than the other – public or commercial – they are just different. One invites us into a collective experience that transcends capitalism; the other makes art personal, tangible, and portable. Together, they reflect the many ways art can enrich our lives.