RETNA
RETNA, a Los Angeles-based artist, merges calligraphy with graffiti to create his distinctive and complex script. If you’re looking for original RETNA prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.
RETNA art for sale
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Biography
RETNA (Marquis Lewis), born in 1979 in Los Angeles, is a pioneering figure in Contemporary Urban Art. He rose to prominence through his fusion of calligraphy and graffiti, blending cultural scripts and ancient hieroglyphs into a unique artistic language. From Arabic to Hebrew and Asian calligraphy, RETNA’s work synthesises a range of visual languages into a seamless whole.
Initially gaining attention on the streets of LA, RETNA’s work has since expanded to murals, canvases, and gallery exhibitions worldwide. His distinctive use of sharp lines, bold contrasts, and monochromatic tones has established him as one of the most innovative and influential artists of the 21st century. Whether through public murals or intimate gallery pieces, RETNA’s work consistently invites viewers into a complex, layered world that speaks to both personal and collective experiences. His influence now extends into fashion, music, and commercial collaborations.
RETNA’s artistic evolution began in Los Angeles, where he was immersed in the city’s graffiti scene and developed a typographic style, merging traditional calligraphy and graffiti. His work resists simple categorisation, drawing on Arabic, Blackletter, Hebrew, and hieroglyphic influences to create a singular and distinctive artistic vision. This approach has been showcased in numerous global exhibitions and prestigious venues, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Not only has RETNA’s work become an essential part of the Contemporary Art conversation, but his large-scale murals have also made a significant impact. His works are notable for their complexity, often appearing monochromatic, with sharp contrasts that emphasise his script’s intricate forms.
Expanding into the fashion world, RETNA has collaborated with several luxury fashion houses, including Louis Vuitton. In this collaboration he showcased his signature script across a mural in Miami. The project demonstrated his his multifaceted and commercially successful practice.