The Path: A Meditation of Lines
This fall, Shantell Martin encourages New Yorkers to take pause and find a meditative moment in Times Square with The Path: A Meditation of Lines, the artist’s first-ever walking path painted directly onto/taking over the Broadway plaza between 47th and 48th Streets. Designed to transform one of the city’s busiest places into a space for contemplation, the 160-ft long mural will be accompanied by guided meditations, performances, and DJ sets.
Featuring Martin’s signature black-and-white illustrations that playfully explore themes of intersectionality and self-discovery, The Path: A Meditation of Lines is a sprawling walking maze that invites viewers to navigate its intricate lines. As one follows the twisting, turning path north, the words "You are in the right place at the right time" appear along with other phrases that signify the forward motion of a journey, whether physical or metaphorical, that might be possible through contemplation and inward reflection.
"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." — Shantell Martin.
On view and accessible to the public 24/7, The Path: A Meditation of Lines will be accompanied by an audio guide voiced by Martin; free, in-person facilitated meditations; musical performances; and dedicated walking sessions for Times Square’s local communities, from office workers, theater staff, and sanitation workers to seniors and students.
After experiencing Martin’s walking path in Times Square, you can continue your journey through Midtown Manhattan to visit the artist’s exhibition at Rockefeller Center, featuring large-scale wall drawings, installations, and public programming — all presented by Art Production Fund and on view from September 4 to November 7, 2024. Learn more about the Art in Focus installation.
Painting services for The Path: A Meditation of Lines done by Colossal Media.
Heller’s Limbo seating and side tables have been generously provided by Heller for those attendees who wish to sit, pause, and take in the artwork.
A special thanks to Kamey Butler, Ben Shepee, Misha Lindes, Aaron Wade and Interior Design Magazine for their creative support.
ABOUT SHANTELL MARTIN
A multifaceted artist celebrated for her public artwork and known for her work across various disciplines, Shantell Martin has achieved notable success in the realms of fine art, education, design, philosophy, and technology. Her journey includes collaborations with prestigious institutions such as MIT Media Lab, NYU Tisch ITP, and Columbia University’s Brown Institute, as well as choreographing for the Boston Ballet. Martin's art explores themes like intersectionality, identity, and play, and she has showcased her work with renowned institutions, including Governors Island Arts, the Denver Art Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the 92Y Gallery in New York, Albright Knox Gallery, and the New Britain Museum of American Art. Her involvement in media and technology innovation, particularly at the Brown Institute for Media Innovation, highlights her role in integrating visual art with storytelling and technology.
To learn more about Shantell Martin’s work you can visit her website at https://shantellmartin.art or follow her on social media:
Instagram: @shantell_martin
Twitter/X: @shantell_martin
Youtube: ShantellMartin
Facebook: ShantellMartinArtist