Shantell Martin’s work goes beyond art, it’s an immersive journey into storytelling, identity, and space transformation. With a rich background in collaborations, commissions, institutional projects, and museum shows, Shantell has been on a journey of mastering her line and the art of creating pieces that not only capture attention but also provoke thought and emotion. Her distinctive style, rooted in self-exploration and social consciousness, offers more than a visual tapestry.
In 2025, Shantell was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her contributions to British arts and charity. Her ability to see the bigger picture and address systemic challenges through her work uniquely equips her to tackle complex, meaningful projects. She is committed to pushing boundaries and creating a lasting impact.
Shantell Martin has collaborated with an inspiring array of corporate clients, cultural institutions, and world-renowned brands. Her work spans diverse industries, consistently breaking new ground through impactful, visually captivating projects.
Museum Shows/Installations
Whitney Museum, Denver Art Museum, New Britain Museum of American Art, Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, MoMA, Albright-Knox Art Museum, Brooklyn Museum.
Boards
British Ambassador’s Strategic Advisory Group, Governors Island Arts Advisory Board, Climate Museum Advisory Board, UAL Ambassador Board.
Institutions & Non-Profit Collaborations
92nd Street Y, Trust of Governors Island, New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet, Art Production Fund, Keep a Child Alive, (RED), Public Art Fund, Nine Dot Arts, Global Citizen, AmFAR.
Brand Collaborations
Rimowa, Mattel/UNO, B&B Italia, Tiffany & Co., Flos, Kelly Wearstler, Vitra, The North Face, Jose Cuervo/1800, Max Mara, Kendrick Lamar, American Express, Martone Cycling Co., WME IMG/New York Fashion Week, Interview Magazine, Saks Fifth Avenue, Canada Goose, United Arrows & Sons, KCA Black Ball, Golden Vines Awards, United Airlines.
Commissions
Rockefeller Center, Times Square Alliance, Art Production Fund, Sotheby’s, Fotografiska, Google, Airbnb, Facebook, Young & Rubicam, Mother New York, Adobe, Phillips Auction House, Christie’s, W Hotel Union Square.
At the core of art lies a special bond - a genuine relationship between the artist and the collector.
If you're drawn to the idea of owning an original piece by Shantell Martin, we invite you to explore our Shop. For those interested in a more personalized touch through commissioning, please send us an email.
Credits
Branding & Design by Anton & Irene with love
Lines of Mars Launches in Times Square
2020
Shantell Martin is proud to announce that her installation Lines of Mars created for Midnight Moment has officially launched. It features her iconic improvisational illustrations and text appearing and disappearing, line by line, on a black background. Drawn on a digital tablet, the work features many of Martin’s recurring motifs, including faces, stick figures, and “birds boats” over an ocean, interspersed with hand-written words. Continuing the artist’s exploration of self that runs throughout her work, Lines of Mars asks the age-old question “who are you?” Those three words are repeated and reconfigured to finally conclude that “you are you.” This encouragement to viewers to think individualistically both participates in and counters the mass-messaging of advertisements otherwise seen on the electronic billboards of Times Square.
“I wanted to create a piece that explored the use of lines and words in a simple way to ask a complicated question. Asking this in a place like Times Square helps the question grow.” —Shantell Martin
Lines of Mars references multiple aspects of Times Square, including a staircase reminiscent of the Red Steps; “1904,” the year Times Square was named; and “12,” a reference to the end time of Midnight Moment or the beginning of a new year. Presented during the month of Love in Times Square, the work encourages viewers to understand, to be, and to love their true selves. Lines of Mars was arranged and formatted for Midnight Moment by Optical Animal.
For more information about Midnight Moment and the Times Square Arts Initiative see here.
