LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Shantell Martin upon the occasion of
presenting her solo exhibition and installation, "Are You You," at the
Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of artistic significance whose creative talents have
contributed to the cultural enrichment of our communities and our
Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Shantell Martin upon the occasion of presenting her solo exhibition and
installation, "Are You You," at the Museum of Contemporary African Dias-
poran Arts, which was celebrated with a VIP Preview at the museum on
Thursday, April 24, 2014, in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA)
uses the visual arts as a point of departure for exploring new artistic
productions across a variety of disciplines; through exhibitions and
programming, MoCADA incites dialogue on pressing social and political
issues facing the African Diaspora, and fosters a dynamic space for the
creation and continuous evolution of African Diaspora culture; and
WHEREAS, Shantell Martin is an accomplished artist whose work, part
autobiographical and part dreamlike whimsy, bridges the worlds of fine
art, commercial art and the everyday experience; her art uses a language
of characters, creatures and messages to invite viewers to share a role
in her creative process; and
WHEREAS, Shantell Martin's first solo museum exhibition, "ARE YOU
YOU," is a site-specific installation exploring change, flow and identi-
ty, curated at MoCADA; and
WHEREAS, Using her simple trademark, black ink and white surfaces,
Shantell Martin's illustrations transform everything from walls, found
objects, ceramics, luxury goods, sneakers, and even faces into a visual
narrative; her diverse portfolio illustrates a gift for navigating many
worlds; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed artist's work has been displayed to great
fanfare at the ultra-high end department store Lane Crawford and Y & R's
global headquarters, as well on the cover of the NEW YORK TIMES home
section; furthermore, her work has appeared in CREATIVE REVIEW magazine;
and
WHEREAS, Active in the fashion world, Shantell Martin was named New
York's "coolest it girl" by FRENCH GLAMOUR in 2011; her latest collab-
oration with the fashion brand Suno was featured in VOGUE in August
2013; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Shantell Martin is renowned for her live talks
and drawing demonstrations, and has been featured on the "Jimmy Kimmel
Show"; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such remarkable talent and accomplishment are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Shantell Martin upon the occasion of presenting her solo exhibi-
tion and installation, "Are You You," at the Museum of Contemporary
African Diasporan Arts; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Shantell Martin.