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Photo: Courtesy of Harrison Steg
The Shantell Martin Experience, an event at this weekend’s Affordable Art Fair, was a fun visual spectacle. What began as a “blank canvas” on Thursday, when the fair began, concluded as a multi dimensional showcasing of Martin’s artwork as it connected with the fairgoers she interacted with throughout the process. The fair’s programming lounge, which Martin transformed over the weekend, was available for participants to observe and speak with her as she worked. She then incorporated each interaction into her artwork, creating a collaborative atmosphere.
This dialogue-friendly exhibit was perfect for showcasing Martin’s well known drawings because she, herself, is both conversational and engaging.
“The idea is that I add a little bit each time I’m here so the story grows or unfolds. And it’s just been fun, I didn’t start anywhere in particular,” she explains.
Martin’s space transformation was one of several exciting fixtures at this season’s Affordable Art Fair. Created in London by Will Ramsay in the late 90s, fair’s purpose is to make art more financially and physically accessible to the masses. It has since expanded and is held throughout the year in many different cities around the world.
Both national and international galleries gathered for this season’s fair in New York at the Metropolitan Pavilion, exhibiting mediums from ornate abstract art to refined portraiture. The works were priced between $100 and $10,000, making them accessible to both established or emerging art enthusiasts.
Photo: Courtesy of Harrison Steg
The goal of providing a welcoming environment for all art lovers is something that resonates with Maritn.
She states,“Well you know the thing is, art is for everyone and should be accessible.”
After spending several years as a performance artist in Japan, Martin moved to New York and began taking on many commissions and collaborations. Her commissioned spaces can be found everywhere from The Brooklyn Museum to MoMA and her work has been featured in such notable publications as T Magazine, Vogue and Glamour Paris. She has also recently collaborated with design boutique, Slow Factory, and international nonprofit organization, amfAR. She will also begin a four-week residency at the P3 Studio in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas later this year.
Though Martin’s collaboration with the Affordable Art Fair has now come to a close, both continue make art more accessible to the New York masses and beyond. When asked what advice she would give to aspiring artists, Martin says,
“Use what you instantly have access to, be it pens, be it a coffee shop, be it showing friends and family your work. Just use what you have access to and create your own opportunities.”
Interested in attending the next Affordable Art Fair? Keep track of updates and future events on their website.
-by Johanna Silver