Born Marquis Lewis on March 24, 1979, in Los Angeles, CA, Retna joined the Los Angeles mural scene as a teenager.
As a youth of African-American, El Salvadorian and Cherokee descent growing up in Los Angeles, Retna was mesmerized by the gang graffiti that surrounded him. He began practicing the art form and adopted the name Retna from a Wu-Tang Clan song. In the mid-nineties, he began making murals on walls, trains and freeway overpasses throughout the city.
Retna transformed from a street artist to a break-out star in the contemporary art world. He garnered attention from Usher, an R&B artist, who commissioned the artist to create a portrait of Marvin Gaye, and MOCA director Jeffrey Deitch, who wrote in the September 2010 issue of Juxtapoz “one of the most exciting exhibitions...this year, anywhere, was Retna's exhibition at New Image Art.” MOCA also featured Retna's work in the major “Art in the Streets” exhibit, the first major U.S. museum survey of graffiti and street art.
At first glance, Retna’s prints and paintings look like an undiscovered ancient script: a series of hypnotic symbols — complex, beautiful and captivating. But he has created an original alphabet, fusing together influences from ancient Incan and Egyptian hieroglyphics, Arabic, Asian calligraphy, graffiti, blackletter, Roman lettering and Hebrew script.
Each piece carries meaning, conveying an event or dialogue that the artist experienced. The writing does not belong to a particular language. Retna explains, “I want my text to feel universal. I want people from different cultures to all find some similarity in it — whether they can read it or not.” He has also stated that “it is important to have art in the streets as a cultural fabric that is woven into the city for the upliftment of civic pride.”
Retna’s works are in the private collections of Jeffrey Deitch, Swizz Beats, Usher, and Dave Chappelle, among many others. His large-scale mural across the eastern exterior of Restoration Hardware’s new gallery in West Palm, Florida, was valued at $500,000 by the city’s Art in Public Places program.
Retna has collaborated with major fashion brands including Nike, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Helmut Lang, and designed the artwork for Justin Bieber’s Purpose album cover. RETNA also acted as the artistic designer for the San Francisco and Washington National Opera’s production of “Aida."
Find original Retna art on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by New Union Gallery)
Marc of the Wooden Soldier
By RETNA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
"Marc of the Wooden Soldier" by RETNA is a bold contemporary artwork that merges street art, sacred symbolism, and military precision. This 2025 painting features RETNA’s signature c...
Enamel
$110,000
Love Letter
By RETNA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
"Love Letter" by RETNA is a powerful example of graffiti-inspired calligraphy transformed into contemporary fine art. Painted in rich crimson enamel, this 2025 work features RETNA’s ...
Enamel
$45,000
Untitled
By RETNA
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
RETNA (b. 1979) Untitled, 2025 Acrylic on paper 60 x 40.25 in (152.4 x 102.24 cm)
Acrylic
$100,000
Blue Sand
By RETNA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
"Blue Sand" by RETNA is a compelling work of contemporary abstract art that explores the relationship between texture, material, and emotion. Created with enamel and crystalline elem...
Enamel
$100,000
Eternal Sunshiners
By RETNA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In "Eternal Sunshiners," RETNA wields a bold black-and-white palette to powerful effect. His signature script, painted in thick black enamel, stretches across a bright white ground w...
Enamel
$150,000
Blue Harmony
By RETNA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
"Blue Harmony" by RETNA is a striking example of contemporary urban calligraphy, rendered in radiant shades of blue with shimmering enamel and crystalline. This 2025 mixed media pain...
Enamel
$67,200Sale Price|20% Off
RETNA Monumental Original 72” x 60” Painting with Original COA
By RETNA
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: RETNA Title: Untitled Medium: Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas Size: 72" x 60" Year: c. 2010 Documentation: Includes original certificate of authenticity from Iron Eye Fin...
Canvas, Acrylic
$61,600Sale Price|20% Off
RETNA Original Painting 60" x 48" w/ Original Gallery Sale Label and COA
By RETNA
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: RETNA Title: Untitled Medium: Original Oil & Crystalline Painting on Canvas Size: 60" x 48" (unframed) Year: c. 2010-2020 Inscription: Signed "RETNA" on verso Documentati...
Canvas, Oil
$80,000
Golden Dreams
By RETNA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
"Golden Dreams" by RETNA is a powerful example of contemporary urban art fused with spiritual symbolism. Painted in rich rust enamel over a lustrous gold background, this mixed media...
Enamel
$130,000
Sugar and Spice
By RETNA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In this electrifying composition, RETNA pushes the boundaries of urban calligraphy with a radiant yellow canvas ignited by strokes of hot pink. Fresh from the studio, this newly comp...
Enamel
$55,000
Green Velvet
By RETNA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
"Green Velvet" by RETNA is a commanding example of abstract street art fused with calligraphic structure. Painted in deep emerald green enamel, this contemporary artwork features RET...
Enamel
$110,000
Elongated Scriptures
By RETNA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Created just recently in 2025 with enamel and crystalline on canvas, this piece marks a refined and unexpected turn in RETNA’s practice. Set against a radiant pink background, his di...
Enamel
$75,000
Untitled
By RETNA
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
RETNA (b. 1979) Untitled, 2026 Acrylic, Metallic, & Spray Paint on Leather 58 x 46 in (147.32 x 116.84 cm)
Leather, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Navy Blue on White
By RETNA
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
RETNA’s Navy Blue on White (2025) is a striking acrylic and crystalline painting on canvas, measuring 48 x 36 inches. The artwork features RETNA’s signature calligraphic script—an in...
Canvas, Acrylic
Retna, Sacred Solicitations I
By RETNA
Located in Madrid, ES
RETNA American, 1979 - SACRED SOLICITATIONS I signed, titled and dated "Retna / Sacred Solicitations. I. / 2015-" (on the reverse) acrylic and enamel on canvas 68-1/2 x 58-3/4 inche...
Enamel
$60,000
Red on White
By RETNA
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
RETNA’s Red on White (2025) is a commanding acrylic and crystalline painting on canvas, measuring 48 x 36 inches. In this work, RETNA deploys his signature calligraphic script in bol...
Canvas, Acrylic
$55,000
Black on White 5
By RETNA
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
RETNA (b. 1979) Black on White 5, 2025 Acrylic on Paper 83.50 x 60 in (212.09 x 152.40 cm)
Acrylic
$45,000
Black on White 7
By RETNA
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
RETNA (b. 1979) Black on White 7, 2025 Acrylic on Paper 60 x 45 in (152.40 x 114.30 cm)
Acrylic
$55,000
Black on White 5
By RETNA
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
RETNA (b. 1979) Black on White 5, 2025 Acrylic on Paper 83.5 x 60 in (212.09 x 152.4 cm)
Acrylic
$45,000
Untitled
By RETNA
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
RETNA (b. 1979) Untitled, 2025 Acrylic on paper 60 x 40.25 in (152.4 x 102.24 cm)
Acrylic
$60,000
Black on White
By RETNA
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
RETNA’s Black on White (2025) is a commanding acrylic and crystalline work on canvas, measuring 48 x 36 inches. The piece features the artist’s iconic calligraphic script rendered in...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Clash "London Calling" co-signed by Paul Simonon
Located in Austin, TX
Original art canvas entitled London Calling by renowned contemporary U.K. artist Jagga. Co-signed by the artist and The Clash bass player, Paul Simonon. Limited edition number 16/20...
Canvas
$3,800
H 36 in W 29 in D 1 in
“Comme Avant, As Before" Abstract Colorful Portrait Street Art Pop Art on Canvas
By J.M. Robert
Located in New York, NY
This particular piece depicts an anonymous portrait of a beautiful woman. Inspired by the every day, JM Robert strives to create paintings that mimic the fla...
Canvas, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$4,400
H 40 in W 80 in
Love Seeker - Original Mixed Media Painting, Abstract, 21st Century
By Amber Goldhammer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Latex, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$1,525
H 30 in W 40 in
Blossoming Young Love - Gold Blue Street Art Graffiti Original on Canvas
By Amber Goldhammer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Latex, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$3,350
H 48 in W 60 in
Happy and Giggily - Playful Original Colorful Graffiti Painting Positive Words
By Amber Goldhammer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Latex, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$2,050
H 35.79 in W 28.63 in D 1.19 in
Korean Contemporary Art by Kim Iljung - Abstract
Located in Paris, IDF
Nacre & acrylic on canvas, Kim Iljung is a Korean artist born in 1979 who lives and works in Seoul, South Korea. Adhere, Scratch, Push Away are his motto. The dual nature of mot...
Canvas, Acrylic
$550
H 13 in W 13 in
I Heart You Everyday - Framed Original Pop Art Inspired Textured Hearts Art
By Amber Goldhammer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express emotions akin to silent poetry while drawing inspiration for her palette from the layered world around her. Her artworks include layered textures and playful details along the surfaces. This original colorful graffiti-inspired painting measures 13 inches square. The artwork is framed in a white wood frame, size and price include the frame. It is wired and ready to hang. This painting is signed and titled by the artist on the back. Convenient local Los Angeles area shipping. Affordable Continental U.S. and global shipping also available. A certificate of authenticity issued by the art gallery is included. Amber Goldhammer is best known for creating vibrant abstract paintings with a street art edge. She originally started painting with pigments, powders, and waxes and went on to experiment with different mediums and processes to keep evolving her artworks. As love and joy are paramount emotions in life, Goldhammer hopes her series incorporating the “I Love You” message expands to reach a wide audience. Connecting people through public art is one way she believes her street murals can impact lives, as it is impossible to view her work and not feel a sense of joy and love. Painting a convergence of color and emotion, she builds and layers bold colors organically, allowing the process to determine the outcome. There is no analyzing, conceptualizing, or judging that takes place. It all happens in the moment, as a union between her, the canvas, and the paint. Amber Goldhammer frequently draws inspiration for her palette from the colors of the ocean, saying, “I get to take in the essence of the ocean every day, which fuels my creativity and brings me peace.” Embracing a profound love for existence unveils a world adorned with beauty at every turn. When one's heart is entwined with the sheer joy of life, the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, and the mundane becomes a canvas of boundless inspiration. This sentiment resonates eloquently in the captivating artworks by Amber Goldhammer. Within her original creations, positivity takes center stage, as vibrant hues dance harmoniously to convey a celebration of life. Hearts and declarations of love, intricately painted onto the canvas, serve as visual affirmations of the artist's unwavering affection for the world. Each stroke tells a story of optimism, inviting viewers to share in the enchanting journey where love and art converge to create a tapestry of uplifting emotions. Amber Goldhammer's works are not just paintings; they are vibrant expressions of a love affair with life itself. A worldwide collected young artist with ongoing concurrent exhibitions in galleries throughout the United States and Switzerland, Goldhammer's artworks have also been exhibited at major international art fairs. Her original paintings have been showcased in print and online publications, and on such TV series as “Million Dollar Listing,” “Being Mary Jane,” “The Catch” as well as both multi-Emmy® nominated series, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”, and “Scandal.” Goldhammer’s art is also featured on Netflix’s original series, “G.L.O.W.” by “Weeds” creator, Jenji Kohan. Artspace Warehouse has been representing and exhibiting Amber Goldhammer's original artworks since 2011. The gallery has been a 1stdibs partner since 2014 with consistently excellent reviews from clients worldwide. The gallery exhibits a large selection of affordable original artworks from established and emerging international artists with diverse backgrounds at high standards. Artspace Warehouse is known to provide accurate descriptions, images, reliable services, communication, and delivery. REPRESENTATION Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, California SOLO EXHIBITIONS 2022 Christopher Martin Gallery, Dallas, TX 2022 Merritt Gallery, Washington, DC 2021 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA 2020 Christopher Martin Gallery, Dallas, TX 2012 Meridian’s, Ventura, CA 2010 Healing Bodywork, Santa Monica, CA GROUP EXHIBITIONS 2023 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA Kunstwarenhaus, Zurich, Switzerland Christopher Martin Gallery, Dallas, TX Merritt Gallery, Washington DC MAC Fine Art, Ft Lauderdale, FL Clarendon Fine Art, London, England 2022 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA Kunstwarenhaus, Zurich, Switzerland Christopher Martin Gallery, Dallas, TX Merritt Gallery, Washington DC MAC Fine Art, Ft Lauderdale, FL Clarendon Fine Art, London, England 2021 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA Kunstwarenhaus, Zurich, Switzerland Christopher Martin Gallery, Dallas, TX Merritt Gallery, Washington DC MAC Fine Art, Ft Lauderdale, FL Clarendon Fine Art, London, England 2020 Kunstwarenhaus Zurich, Switzerland Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA Kevin Barry Fine Art...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$675
H 24 in W 24 in
Boy Crush - Graffiti Street Art Hearts Orange Blue Original on Canvas Goldhammer
By Amber Goldhammer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$1,875
H 24 in W 54 in
Love Puff - Purple Pink Graffiti Street Art Soft Minimalist Original on Canvas
By Amber Goldhammer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Latex, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$1,525
H 30 in W 40 in
My Family Is My Home - Original Street Art Inspired Grey Heart Art
By Amber Goldhammer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Latex, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$2,500
H 17 in W 57 in
A Lot of Things - Red Abstract Expressionist Street Art Original Painting
By Jonas Fisch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swedish artist Jonas Fisch’s imagery is vibrantly buzzing with colorful commentary on society - past and present - morphed into figures, words, and shapes. His heavily layered canvas...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$4,400
H 48 in W 72 in
The Great Barrier Reef - Large Original Colorful Urban Love Pop Street Art
By Amber Goldhammer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Latex, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$2,730
H 36 in W 60 in
You Can See Her Smile From Outerspace - Large Colorful Love Hearts Painting
By Amber Goldhammer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express emotions akin to silent poetry while drawing inspiration for her palette from the layered world around her. Her artworks include layered textures and playful details along the surfaces. This original graffiti-inspired painting measures 36 inches high by 60 inches wide. The sides are painted grey and it does not require framing. It is wired and ready to hang. This painting is signed and titled by the artist on the back. Free local Los Angeles area delivery. Affordable Continental U.S. and global shipping available. A certificate of authenticity issued by the art gallery is included. Amber Goldhammer is best known for creating vibrant abstract paintings with a street art edge. She originally started painting with pigments, powders, and waxes and went on to experiment with different mediums and processes to keep evolving her artworks. As love and joy are paramount emotions in life, Goldhammer hopes her series incorporating the “I Love You” message expands to reach a wide audience. Connecting people through public art is one way she believes her street murals...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Latex
$2,050
H 35.79 in W 28.63 in D 1.19 in
Korean Contemporary Art by Kim Iljung - Abstract
Located in Paris, IDF
Nacre & acrylic on canvas, Kim Iljung is a Korean artist born in 1979 who lives and works in Seoul, South Korea. Adhere, Scratch, Push Away are his motto. The dual nature of mot...
Canvas, Acrylic
$975
H 20 in W 32 in
Strong, Happy, Healthy - Original Colorful Urban Love Pop Street Art Painting
By Amber Goldhammer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer creates vibrant, graffiti-inspired abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas, celebrating positivity, connection, and emotion. "Strong, Happy, Healthy" showcases her signature use of bold, energetic brushstrokes and uplifting text layered with dynamic textures. This artwork radiates joy and optimism, featuring overlapping words like "strong," "happy," and "healthy," forming a harmonious, expressive composition. Its vivid palette of neon pinks, blues, greens, and oranges brings a lively, contemporary energy to any space. Measuring 20 inches high by 32 inches wide, this original painting features grey-painted sides and does not require framing. It is wired and ready to hang, making it a seamless addition to any interior. The piece is signed and titled by Amber Goldhammer on the back and comes with a certificate of authenticity issued by the art gallery, ensuring its value as a unique work of art. Key Features: Medium: Acrylic on canvas with layered graffiti-inspired text and textures. Dimensions: 20" x 32", ideal for creating a modern statement in any space. Presentation: Ready to hang with neutral grey painted sides—no framing necessary. Authenticity: Hand-signed by Amber Goldhammer with a certificate of authenticity included. Shipping Options: Convenient local Los Angeles delivery, with affordable U.S. and international shipping available. Amber Goldhammer’s "Strong, Happy, Healthy" is more than a painting—it’s a celebration of empowerment and positivity. Perfect for collectors of modern graffiti-inspired art, this piece adds an uplifting energy to any setting, whether it’s a contemporary home or a modern space. About the Artist: Amber Goldhammer is celebrated for her abstract paintings with a street art aesthetic, blending bold color palettes with uplifting, text-based compositions. Her artistic journey began with pigments and waxes, evolving into a signature style that merges vibrant street art influences with contemporary fine art techniques. Through her artwork, Goldhammer strives to spread love, joy, and positivity, frequently incorporating phrases like "I Love You" into her public murals and private collections. Her creative process is organic and intuitive, allowing layers of paint, text, and texture to come together naturally. With no preconceived plan, her work emerges as a dialogue between the canvas, the paint, and her emotional state. Goldhammer’s art has transcended traditional mediums, appearing on murals, home décor, fashion, and accessories, connecting audiences worldwide. Amber Goldhammer frequently draws inspiration for her palette from nature and the colors of the ocean, saying, “I get to take in the essence of the ocean every day, which fuels my creativity and brings me peace.” She draws a fascinating parallel between her highly coveted paintings and the diverse tapestry of the world around us. Just as a field of flowers may initially appear uniform, upon closer inspection, the intricate beauty of each unique blossom becomes evident. Her artwork mirrors this intricate beauty and complexity, offering a captivating journey for art enthusiasts in search of original, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the rich diversity of our surroundings. A worldwide collected young artist with ongoing concurrent exhibitions in galleries throughout the United States and Switzerland, Goldhammer's artworks have also been exhibited at major international art fairs. Her original paintings have been showcased in print and online publications and on such TV series as “Million Dollar Listing,” “Being Mary Jane,” “The Catch” as well as both multi-Emmy® nominated series, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”, and “Scandal.” Goldhammer’s art is also featured on Netflix’s original series, “G.L.O.W.” by “Weeds” creator, Jenji Kohan. Artspace Warehouse...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Sold
H 60 in W 48 in
RETNA Original Painting 60" x 48" w/ Original Gallery Sale Label and COA
By RETNA
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: RETNA Title: Untitled Medium: Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas Size: 60" x 48" (unframed) Year: 2019 Documentation: Includes original gallery sale label from New River Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
UNTITLED
By RETNA
Located in Aventura, FL
Original acrylic on aluminum. Frame size 94 X 46 Inches. Artwork is in overall excellent condition. A few minor stains to lower left side panel. All reasonable offers will be consi...
Acrylic
Sing You a Song a Praise of Valiant Spirit
By RETNA
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An abstract acrylic on canvas painting by contemporary artist RETNA. "Sing You a Song a Praise of Valiant Spirit" is executed in white over a multi-colored ground and signed verso, "...
Canvas, Acrylic