News & trends

Finding Calm in Chaos: Shantell Martin’s Times Square Labyrinth

On October 1st, renowned artist Shantell Martin will transform the frantic energy of New York City’s Times Square with her interactive installation, “The Path: A Meditation of Lines”. Known for her bold, flowing designs, Martin invites visitors to step into a space where art meets mindfulness. This 160-foot-long walking labyrinth, filled with her signature looping lines and playful motifs, serves as a meditative experience, encouraging visitors to slow down, breathe, and truly be present.

In a city that rarely pauses, Martin’s work stands as a reminder that art can offer moments of peace and introspection, even in the busiest urban landscapes. As participants weave through the labyrinth’s winding paths, they are encouraged to reflect on phrases like “breathe” and “are you you,” which reappear throughout the design, forming a mental map as much as a physical one. By merging her artistic practice with mindfulness, Martin’s installation highlights the therapeutic potential of visual art—a principle deeply connected to our mission at the Art Therapy Initiative.

Photo by Jac Benson II

Art as a Path to Healing

At the Art Therapy Initiative, we believe in art’s power to transform lives by providing an outlet for emotional expression and self-discovery. Whether through guided workshops, community art projects, or installations like Martin’s labyrinth, creative expression becomes a bridge to mental well-being. Her project aligns with our core philosophy: that art can be more than a visual experience—it can be a journey toward inner peace.

Martin’s labyrinth will be accessible to the public daily through November 20th, offering a much-needed respite for New Yorkers and visitors alike. In a city defined by constant movement, “The Path: A Meditation of Lines” invites you to pause, explore, and reconnect. Step in and see where the art leads you.

For more information on how art can support emotional health and healing, visit therapy.art.art.

.ART Team

Recent Posts

Art as Catalyst for Difficult Conversations and Healing

This article, written by museum educator Yuna Dranichnikova (www.yunadranichnikova.art), is featured in the second edition…

21 hours ago

Introducing the Second Edition of the .ART Odyssey Publication: SUCCESS

Redefining Success Through Purpose, Peace, and Resilience This issue's theme, SUCCESS, challenges conventional definitions and…

2 days ago

Hedwig Fijen on Manifesta Biennale as a Catalyst for Urban and Social Transformation

Manifesta, the European Nomadic Biennial, has for 30 years moved across Europe, establishing itself as…

7 days ago

McDonald’s and Doodles NFT Collaboration: A New Era for Digital Collectibles and Mainstream NFT Adoption

The popular NFT project Doodles has partnered with McDonald's, marking a significant milestone for NFTs…

1 week ago

Can Art Save the World: TIME TO ART at COP29

Does art have the power to save the world?  This question has astounding resonance. Art…

1 week ago

Anika Meier on Digital Art Curation, Changing NFT Attitudes & EXPANDED.ART

In an exclusive interview with .ART, Anika Meier—curator, writer, and concept artist—shares insights into the…

2 weeks ago