Today at Vardan Gallery in Los Angeles, Shantell Martin’s solo presentation “Intimate Whispers” (March 1–April 17) opens. Exhibiting a site-specific mural and works on paper, canvas, and textiles, the show is a celebration of inner dialogue—the thoughts and questions we quietly think to ourselves amid the bustle of everyday life. These thoughts, Martin shared below, “become beliefs that shape how you see the world.”
In the Melrose Avenue space, the artist invites us to this introspective journey, guided by her signature one-line black-and-white drawings, blurring the boundaries between fine art and designer, as well as education, philosophy, and technology. Ahead of its opening, featuring a later afternoon party DJed by LaniLove and GraceKtow, Whitewall spoke with Martin about how her “Intimate Whispers” is a celebration of our inner dialogues, and how she hopes to remind us of the importance of our voices.
Shantell Martin installing “Intimate Whispers” at Vardan Gallery, courtesy of the artist and the gallery.
“Intimate Voices” Opens in Los Angeles
WHITEWALL: “Intimate Whispers” features works with words visually woven into them. What meaning do they hold?
SHANTELL MARTIN: These works contain phrases, words, and questions from an inner dialogue. Those quiet thoughts that murmur at the back of your mind become beliefs that shape how you see the world. This show is a way of my inner journeys with YOU all.
WW: Here, your renowned one-line drawings feature words like “new ideas” and “stan” with a dangling “d,” incorporating double meaning. Why does it feature the words it does?
SM: I love to play with words, as words are drawings and also made up of lines. Each word and phrase has been chosen to provoke thought and connection between the art and the viewer. The phrase “New ideas” represents the constant evolution of thought and creativity. In some of my music, the word stand often comes up. What do YOU stand for? What would you speak out against? Are you being an authentic version of yourself? The above can be hard to know and fulfill in today’s society, so the letter “D” is almost out of reach as a reflection of this.
Shantell Martin’s Show Highlights the Self
WW: What do these mean to you right now? What do you hope they mean to the viewer?
SM: These words remind me of the power of self-belief and the importance of continuous growth and self-reflection. For the viewer, I hope they serve as an invitation to explore their internal dialogues and questions and find comfort in their evolutions.
Shantell Martin’s “Intimate Whispers” at Vardan Gallery, courtesy of the artist and the gallery.
WW: The show invites us into a world of personal dialogue, facilitating intimate conversations that give the public a moment of pause. Why is this important right now?
SM: It’s more important than ever for us to reconnect with ourselves, to listen to our inner voices, and to nurture our mental and emotional well-being. So much out there in the world trying to take away our time, skills, focus, and thoughts. We are running around and not even knowing why. Art is one of those things that helps us pause, breathe, and connect. I hope that this show provides a space for some of these moments.
WW: The show’s opening reception will feature music by DJs Lani Love and Grace Ktown. Do they provide a creative vibe you specifically wanted to present in the space?
SM: Art and music are so connected! At my events, installations, and shows, I’ve always considered what the musical vibe is. With this show being in L.A., I wanted the music to be upbeat, welcoming, colourful, and diverse, and DJ Lani Love and Grace Ktown are more than qualified to bring all of this to the table on the opening night. I want the room to feel like a party vs a quiet place of solace. We have something to celebrate!
Shantell Martin installing “Intimate Whispers” at Vardan Gallery, courtesy of the artist and the gallery.
What to Do During L.A. Art Week 2024
WW: What are you looking forward to seeing/doing in L.A. during Frieze Week?
SM: I’m looking forward to all the New York crew rolling through L.A., checking out the main art fair, and being on a panel at the fair that Jon Tilli and Gemma Rolls-Bentley will host.
WW: What’s one art show or presentation you recently saw that you’re still thinking about?
SM: I saw the closing night of The Rite of Spring at the Armory in New York a couple of months ago. It was choreographed by Pina Bausch with music by Igor Stravinsky. WOW, what a dance! And I can not believe it was made in the 70’s. The piece is so beautiful, energetic, and inspiring. The whole piece takes place on a dirt field, which, in a way, becomes another character on the stage.
Shantell Martin’s “Intimate Whispers” at Vardan Gallery, courtesy of the artist and the gallery.
Shantell Martin’s Next Projects
WW: What are you working on after “Intimate Whispers”?
SM: After this show, I will continue to work on my musical performances; you might call it spoken word, but I call it drawing with words, and I’ll choreograph my second ballet. The first was for Boston Ballet back in 2022, a museum show down the road at a museum back on the East Coast, and a fun collab coming out later this year with the British Bike company Brompton.
WW: What are your hopes for 2024?
SM: I plan to make the most of being in L.A. and finally learn to swim. Wish me luck!
