Art in Focus

Rockefeller Center, in partnership with Art Production Fund, presents a series of public art pop-ups throughout the Center. Taking place in unique and unexpected locations, the multidisciplinary program showcases installations inspired by the New York City landscape and contemporary life.

Current Installation:

SHANTELL MARTIN

September 4 - November 7

Shantell Martin's comprehensive exhibition celebrates the diversity of Martin’s work while providing an extensive understanding of her practice. Martin’s large-scale wall drawings, which feature spontaneous, free-flowing illustrations that evolve organically, will be on view in public spaces at Rockefeller Center now through November 7.

The lines, shapes and figures Martin creates are an internal dialogue of a shared humanity that she expresses. “The spontaneity is one of the hallmarks that I bring to my practice as there is nothing planned ahead of time, as I flow with the journey that the ink pen takes me. Each time I am as surprised by the outcome as the viewer. This impromptu energy ends up creating a connectedness in search of a better global understanding,” says the artist. While she is best known for this distinctive line drawing, Martin also works across various mediums, including digital art, fashion, and performance. Shantell Martin’s work was first featured at Rockefeller Center as part of the inaugural iteration of The Flag Project, a crowd-sourced art exhibition, in 2020.

At the Rink Level of 45 Rockefeller Plaza, a 125-foot mural display will feature illustrations on vinyl from Martin’s KOOBs series. KOOBs, or books backwards, is a series of illustrative books that feature Martin’s unique fine-line characters. Upstairs, the physical version of Martin’s KOOBs will be presented for viewers inside a vitrine in the lobby of 45 Rockefeller Plaza. These KOOBs are folded in an accordion style and upon unfolding the 7 foot long book, viewers will find the story of an entire world created by Martin herself.

A curated selection of past artworks by the artist will be on view in the lobbies of 10 Rockefeller Plaza, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and 50 Rockefeller Plaza. Those who work at Rockefeller Center, or any Tishman Speyer property, will be able to see additional pieces at the ZO Clubhouse and Radio Park.

To view the full list of Shantell Martin's artwork currently on view at Rockefeller Center visit the link below.