Artist: RETNA
Dual Sided Paintings:
(1) Untitled Black and White Graphic Abstract
(2) Untitled Green and Brown Abstract
Medium: Original Acrylic Painting on Wove Paper
Year: c. 2010-2020
Size: 76-1/2" x 51"
Edition: Original
Documentation: Includes original gallery certificate of authenticity including stated provenance direct from RETNA's studio; full documented record of uninterrupted provenance
Executed circa 2010–2020, this large-scale work by RETNA presents a rare and unique format: a dual-sided original painting. Measuring an impressive 76-1/2 x 51 inches, the piece showcases two distinct compositions—one in the artist's signature black-and-white graphic script, the other in a richly textured green-and-brown abstract. Each side demonstrates RETNA's mastery of form, rhythm, and symbolic typography, characteristic of his instantly recognizable visual language.
The black-and-white side embodies the quintessential RETNA style, with densely layered calligraphic forms arranged in a vertical grid, recalling both ancient scripts and the urban graffiti walls from which his career originated. The reverse offers a markedly different palette and energy, with earthy greens and browns creating a more atmospheric, painterly surface, yet still rooted in the artist's structural approach to composition.
Dual-sided works by RETNA are exceptionally uncommon, making this piece a rare opportunity for collectors. Its format opens up unique possibilities for display. Options include a custom reversible frame that allows the artwork to be flipped on the wall, a free-standing rotating mount, or incorporation into a clear plexiglass frame that enables both sides to be viewed simultaneously. It could even function as an artful room divider in a contemporary space, offering an evolving visual experience. The work is currently unframed and can be customized to your preference.
Accompanied by an original gallery certificate of authenticity, with provenance documented directly from RETNA's studio and a complete record of uninterrupted ownership, this work stands as both a significant example of the artist's practice and an unusually versatile object within his oeuvre.
About RETNA
RETNA, born Marquis Lewis in 1979 in Los Angeles, is an American contemporary artist known for his distinctive script-like typography that fuses influences from calligraphy, street culture, and global writing systems. Emerging from the West Coast graffiti scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s, RETNA began painting at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his ability to combine raw street energy with refined, almost ceremonial, design. His moniker was inspired by lyrics from a Wu-Tang Clan track, chosen for its suggestion of vision, observation, and insight.
From the beginning, RETNA's work stood out for its unique visual language. Drawing from hieroglyphics, Arabic, Hebrew, Gothic, Old English, and Native American typographies, he developed an intricate, personal alphabet that feels both ancient and futuristic. This symbolic language is not directly translatable, yet it carries a powerful rhythm and presence that communicates beyond words. RETNA's letters and marks often appear arranged in tight, linear compositions, evoking both illuminated manuscripts and urban walls layered with decades of graffiti.
RETNA's early career was rooted in Los Angeles's graffiti crews, but by the 2000s he was gaining traction in the fine art world. His transition from the street to the gallery did not dilute his aesthetic; instead, it refined it. His paintings, murals, and mixed media works often employ a limited palette—commonly black, white, red, blue, gold, or silver—emphasizing form and pattern over figurative imagery. RETNA's ability to bridge the gap between street art and high art has made him a sought-after figure for both public commissions and private collections.
Over the years, RETNA's work has been exhibited internationally, including in major cities such as London, New York, Miami, and Hong Kong. His large-scale murals can be found on building facades across the globe, where their monumental presence turns entire walls into sacred texts. Beyond traditional art spaces, RETNA has collaborated with luxury brands, musicians, and fashion designers, extending his visual language into new cultural contexts. Notable collaborations have included working with Louis Vuitton, VistaJet, and creating album art for Justin Bieber's "Purpose".
Despite the global recognition, RETNA's work remains deeply personal. His script, while deliberately opaque to outsiders, is a reflection of his life experiences, cultural observations, and spiritual influences. By refusing to offer direct translation, he invites viewers to engage with the work emotionally and aesthetically rather than purely intellectually.
Today, RETNA stands as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary art. His fusion of graffiti sensibilities, calligraphic traditions, and modern design continues to challenge and expand the boundaries of visual communication. In blending the past with the present, the street with the gallery, and the local with the global, RETNA has created a timeless artistic language uniquely his own.
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