Retna
Biography
RETNA, born Marquis Lewis in 1979 in Los Angeles, California, is a renowned contemporary street artist celebrated for his unique typographic and calligraphic style. His distinctive script blends influences from Blackletter, Egyptian hieroglyphics, Arabic, and Hebrew scripts, creating visually arresting works that often carry indecipherable personal messages and poetry. RETNA's art bridges graffiti, photography, and painting, making use of both spray cans and paintbrushes to achieve intricate, highly detailed line work.
Active since his teenage years, RETNA has become a pivotal figure in the Los Angeles mural scene and a member of prominent graffiti collectives such as Art Work Rebels and The Seventh Letter. His works have been featured in solo and group exhibitions worldwide, including at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, Maddox Gallery in London, and MAIA Contemporary in Mexico City. He has also created notable public murals in cities like New York, Miami, and Mexico City.
RETNA's art has been commissioned by high-profile brands like Louis Vuitton, Nike, and VistaJet, and his work graced the cover of Justin Bieber's "Purpose" album in 2015. His pieces are highly sought after in the art market, with several works achieving significant auction prices, highlighting his strong presence and liquidity in the market.
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