A Collaboration with NYC Ballet is the Perfect Stage for Shantell Martin's Lines
Mike O'Donnell / Editor
WNW Member Shantell Martin’s distinct creative style has always been rooted in movement. Her lines rarely close, and if they do, they signify infinite continuation rather than subjects or moments coming to a stop. Shantell’s exploration of live mural drawing seemed like a natural evolution of this unique aesthetic; Shantell, her hand, and her black Krink marker embody this theme of motion while eliminating any delay between her art’s creation and its delivery to her audience. Shantell’s Art Basel collaboration and performance alongside Kendrick Lamar was a particular standout, as it even further conveyed a living and breathing humanity in her work to a physical audience, through the art of improvisation. The line that Shantell’s career has been moving along feels as if it was destined to reach her latest project: a Lincoln Center collaboration with New York City Ballet.
The aim of NYC Ballet’s Art Series is “to cross-pollinate the disciplines of performing and visual arts – and their audiences – by annually inviting a contemporary artist to create a site specific work of art in [NYC Ballet’s] Lincoln Center home.” Alongside motion, a fundamental trait of Shantell’s work is the exploration of interaction and dialogue: Shantell in conversation with herself and her work, and her audience in conversation with her work and themselves. With drawings that regularly incorporate questions like “Who are you?”, “Are you you?”, and “Where are your lines leading you?”, Shantell’s collaboration with NYC Ballet looks to be an exciting multi-form discussion and celebration of where each is from and where both can go. The performances will take place on February 2nd, February 8th, and March 2nd. Tickets are only $35.
NYCB will also host free, open hours for the general public to view the exhibition February 16 through February 24 at the following times: Mon-Fri: 10 AM – 6 PM & Sat-Sun: 10 AM – 12 PM
