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Retna’s expressive art combines graffiti, calligraphy, and ancient script to create a visual language that's both modern and mysterious. Balance & movement can be found across Retna’s prints & paintings with bursts of color seeping forth. Discover Retna art for sale at Guy Hepner, Retna dealers since 2011.
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Latest: Retna Prints For Sale
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Retna, Even The Heart Skips A Beat, 2024
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Retna, Black on Blast, 2022
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Retna, Chinga tu Maiz, 2018
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Retna, El Nino Oscuro ha Regresado, 2018
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Retna, Sacred Dance of Memories, 2017
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Retna, Even the Heart Skips a Beat (black on black), 2024
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Retna, Sacred Scars, 2014
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Retna, Sensations of a Black Line, 2013
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Retna, Untitled, 2006
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Series
Retna
Sensations of a Black Line, 2013Enamel and Acrylic on canvas72 x 72 in
182.9 x 182.9 cmSeries: PaintingsCopyright The ArtistRetna's black-on-black paintings are a striking exploration of form and texture, distinguished by their monochromatic palette. Using his signature calligraphic style, Retna, whose real name is Marquis Lewis, creates intricate,...Retna's black-on-black paintings are a striking exploration of form and texture, distinguished by their monochromatic palette. Using his signature calligraphic style, Retna, whose real name is Marquis Lewis, creates intricate, abstract patterns that convey a sense of depth and movement despite the limited color range. The subtle variations in black tones and the interplay of matte and glossy finishes give each piece a dynamic quality. These works often evoke a sense of mystery and contemplation, inviting viewers to delve into the layered meanings and cultural references embedded in Retna's unique visual languageOverview"There is always an emotional element to anything that you make."
RETNA’s art combines a timeless and ancient sense of the familiar with the deeply modern through his sophisticated reimagination of symbols that seem to have been born from the very depths of humanity's urge to communicate. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of typographies, RETNA incorporates ancient symbols with contemporary urban influences, resulting in a personal form of poetry that is visually striking and deeply symbolic. His works offer a multi-sensory experience that combines auditory and visual elements, making them dynamic additions to any art collection.
The visual aesthetic of RETNA’’s prints and paintings is immediately recognizable: bold, monochromatic palettes punctuated by occasional bursts of color, often red or blue. The strength of his artwork lies in the visual interplay between his densely packed lettering and the blank spaces surrounding it. Each composition exhibits a sense of balance, harmony, and movement, echoing both religious manuscripts and tribal iconography. This rhythmic flow of symbols forms a mesmerizing and hypnotic pattern, imbuing his pieces with a sacred, almost spiritual quality. Retna’s prints, paintings and murals exude an aura of mystery, drawing viewers into an aesthetic universe that feels both ancient and futuristic.
His technique is deeply rooted in graffiti, a practice that taught him how to manipulate line, form, and structure in large-scale formats. Working primarily with spray paint, acrylic, and enamel, he applies his signature script in layers, building a textured surface. His process involves both spontaneity and precision, as he crafts each character with an assured hand, maintaining the structural integrity of his intricate designs. This unique approach allows Retna to transform walls, buildings, and even airplanes into monumental works of art that dominate the landscape. His murals, whether covering buildings in Los Angeles or appearing on the facades of European galleries, command attention through their monumental scale and meticulous craftsmanship.
Discover RETNA prints for sale at Guy Hepner and to buy RETNA original art, contact our New York and London galleries via info@guyhepner.com