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)
$12,800Sale Price|57% Off
Even The Heart Skips A Beat Print, Signed, Limited Edition, 2010+
By RETNA
Located in New York, NY
'EVEN THE HEART SKIPS A BEAT' (Black on Black) is a signature stylistic print by RETNA. The large-scale glittering artwork is a silkscreen print with layers of genuine diamond dust. ...
Archival Paper, Screen
RETNA, Madre, dazzling Silkscreen with Crystallina (diamond dust) hand Signed/n
By RETNA
Located in New York, NY
RETNA Madre (Mother), 2023 Silkscreen and crystallina (diamond dust) on Coventry rag paper Hand signed and numbered by RETNA from the limited edition of only 75 on the front (41/75) ...
Screen, Glitter
RETNA El Salvador 2014 Signed Limited Edition Color Screenprint
By RETNA
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: RETNA Title: El Salvador Medium: Screenprint in Colors on Coventry Rag Paper Year: 2014 Sheet measures 19" x 13" Frame size 23" x 17" x 2" Edition: 24/60, Published by Smogto...
Paper, Screen
Even the Heart Skips a Beat (Black on Black)
By RETNA
Located in Boca Raton, FL
edition 11/99 Incorporating the artist’s most iconic calligraphic work, the screenprint features black symbols inspired by different alphabets (Hebrew, Arabic and Egyptian) as well...
Glitter, Screen
Even The Heart Skips a Beat, Rare Matching Set, Modern Street Art, Retna
By RETNA
Located in Draper, UT
Rare set with matching numbers. Only 99 of each produced. Another amazing release by Retna, with his well known style. A must for any modern collector. 2-color screenprint with glitt...
Glitter, Screen
'EVEN THE HEART SKIPS A BEAT' Abstract Silkscreen Print with Diamond Dust, 2024
By RETNA
Located in New York, NY
'EVEN THE HEART SKIPS A BEAT' is a signature stylistic print by RETNA. The large-scale glittering artwork is a silkscreen print with layers of genuine diamond dust. This exquisite p...
Screen
Vagos y Reinas (Vagabonds and Queens), Hand Signed, Numbered by RETNA and El Mac
By RETNA
Located in New York, NY
Makes a fantastic gift! RETNA and El Mac Vagos y Reinas (Vagabonds and Queens), Hand Signed by both Artists, 2009 Limited Edition Exhibition Catalog and Screen Printed Box. Hand sign...
Offset, Ink, Board
$840Sale Price|43% Off
H 24.2 in W 23.8 in D 1 in
Concrete Geometric Abstract Composition with Blue (~44% OFF LIST PRICE)
By Gottfried Honegger
Located in Kansas City, MO
Gottfried Honegger Concrete Geometric Abstract Composition with Blue 3D-construction, Screenprint on Hahnemuhle Velvet 2015 Size: 20.9 × 21.1 on 24.2 × 23.8 inches Edition: E.A. of 5...
Archival Paper, Screen
$413Sale Price|24% Off
H 22.25 in W 29.75 in D 0.02 in
Roy Ahlgren 'Embryo' Signed, Limited Edition Op-Art Serigraph Print
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in San Rafael, CA
Roy Ahlgren (American, 1927 - 2011) Embryo, 1982 Serigraph on wove paper Signed, title and edition in pencil in lower margin Edition 8/130 Sheet: 22 1/4in H x 29 3/4in L (unframed) ...
Archival Paper, Screen
$2,800
H 26.44 in W 28.57 in
MMA-3 Variant /// Josef Albers Abstract Geometric Screenprint Color Field Theory
By Josef Albers
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Josef Albers (German-American, 1888-1976) Title: "MMA-3 Variant" Series: MMA (Metropolitan Museum of Art) *Unsigned edition Year...
Screen
$859Sale Price|20% Off
H 23.63 in W 12.6 in D 0.04 in
Cathedral of Christ the Savior. 1989., paper, screen print, 60x32.5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Cathedral of Christ the Savior. 1989, paper, screen print, 60x32.5 cm
Paper, Screen
$1,895
H 25.5 in W 26 in D 2 in
Original Op Art Abstract Color Screenprint "Planetary Folklore" Signed #2/250
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Portland, OR
A Op Art abstract color screenprint, "Planetary Folklore" 1968, by Victor Vasarely (1906-1997). This very striking work by Vasarely is comprised of various colorful geometric shapes, the work is signed lower right "Vasarely" and numbered lower left "2/250. This is an early and crisp impression in excellent condition and housed under glass in a gilt & silvered hardwood frame. This very eye-catching work by one of the 20th century's leading Op artists is ready to hang on your wall. 14" x 14.50" at sight without frame Numered 2/250 A Franco-Hungarian painter, Victor Vasarely (1906-1997) first studied medicine before turning to art. In Budapest, he frequented artists from the Hungarian Bauhaus...
Lithograph, Handmade Paper, Color, Screen
![Itzchak Tarkay [Café Friends] 2001 Signed Serigraph, Hors Commerce Proof](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/itzchak-tarkay-prints-works-on-paper-itzchak-tarkay-cafe-friends-2001-signed-serigraph-hors-commerce-proof-for-sale/a_28432/a_169959321771309658984/Tarkay_Itzchak_Untitled3_1_HeroFrame_HR_master.jpg?width=240)
![Itzchak Tarkay [Café Friends] 2001 Signed Serigraph, Hors Commerce Proof](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/itzchak-tarkay-prints-works-on-paper-itzchak-tarkay-cafe-friends-2001-signed-serigraph-hors-commerce-proof-for-sale-picture-2/a_28432/a_169959321759019609678/Tarkay_Itzchak_Cafe_Friends_Circa2001_2_Main_master.jpg?width=240)
$1,500
H 15.125 in W 13.125 in D 1 in
Itzchak Tarkay [Café Friends] 2001 Signed Serigraph, Hors Commerce Proof
By Itzchak Tarkay
Located in Miami, FL
ITZCHAK TARKAY – [CAFÉ FRIENDS] ⚜ Serigraph in Color on Wove Paper ⚜ Hand Signed and Annotated HC 27/80 ⚜ Gilt Wood Frame CAFÉ SCENE WITH ELEGANT DETAIL Executed circa 2001, [Café F...
Archival Paper, Screen
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
H 19.5 in W 19.5 in
"Alice Tully Hall" by Guillermo Kuitca (Abstract, Red, Architecture, Design)
By Guillermo Kuitca
Located in New York, NY
One screen print on wove paper titled, Alice Tully Hall by Guillermo Kuitca, 2009. It is hand signed in pencil, dated and numbered from the edition of 117 (total edition includes 18 artist's proofs) The sheet size is 22 1/4 by 20 inches, with the blindstamp of the printer, Brand X Editions, New York. Published by Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc., New York. This impression has a rich, bold red color on bright white paper. Guillermo Kuitca, whose paintings and prints are often inspired by seating arrangements in theater interiors, recreates the seating chart...
Screen
$4,950
H 22.5 in W 30.25 in
“A Landscape For Bob, 2013” Signed Screenprint Color Field African American
By Richard Mayhew
Located in Yardley, PA
“A Landscape For Bob, 2013” by Richard Mayhew (American, 1924-2024). This luminous print is a classic example of Mayhew’s mature approach to landscape, built entirely through bands ...
Paper, Screen
Royal Curtain, Gene Davis
By Gene Davis
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Gene Davis (1920-1985) Title: Royal Curtain Year: 1980 Medium: Silkscreen on Arches paper Edition: 41/250, plus proofs Size: 30 x 21.5 inches Condition: Good Inscription: Sig...
Screen
$109,995
H 40 in W 40 in
Basquiat Untitled (Rinso) Screenprint, Estate Signed, 2001
By Jean-Michel Basquiat
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Jean-Michel Basquiat (after) Title: Untitled (Rinso) Portfolio: 1983/2001 Portfolio I Medium: 9 Color screenprint on paper Year: 2001 Edition: 43/85 Sheet Size: 40" x 40" Sig...
Screen
$1,000
H 43 in W 35 in
"Untitled" by Peter Plagens. (Abstract, Formalist, Symbolism, Geometric, Print)
Located in New York, NY
Peter Plagens (b. 1941) received his B.F.A. from the University of Southern California and his M.F.A. from Syracuse University. He is well known for his abstract, formalist paintings...
Screen
$263Sale Price|24% Off
H 22.25 in W 29.75 in D 0.02 in
Roy Ahlgren 'Allegro' Signed Limited Edition Serigraph Print
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in San Rafael, CA
Roy Ahlgren Allegro, 1986 Serigraph Signed, title and edition in pencil in lower margin Edition 5/100 Sheet: 22 1/4in H x 29 3/4in L (unframed) Ahlgren came to art relatively late ...
Archival Paper, Screen
Sold
H 49.3 in W 38.5 in D 2 in
'EVEN THE HEART SKIPS A BEAT' Abstract Silkscreen Print with Diamond Dust, 2024
By RETNA
Located in New York, NY
'EVEN THE HEART SKIPS A BEAT' is a signature stylistic print by RETNA. The large-scale glittering artwork is a silkscreen print with layers of genuine diamond dust. This exquisite p...
Screen
Retna Braddock Tiles Print
By RETNA
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gorgeous Retna Braddock Tiles Print. Created by Retna in his distinctive style combining calligraphy, hieroglyphics and graffiti in gorgeous vibrant colors. Limited edition of 250. ...
Archival Paper, Digital
Sold
H 32 in W 8.5 in
Lt. Ed. Skate deck (Blue with blue back) with embossed COA, hand signed by RETNA
By RETNA
Located in New York, NY
RETNA Skate deck (Blue with green back) with embossed COA, hand signed by RETNA, 2018 Limited Edition Silkscreen on Maplewood skatedeck with blue colored back. Accompanied by Hand signed Certificate of Authenticity on Embossed Letterhead. 32 × 8 1/2 inches This work is accompanied an embossed Certificate of Authenticity measuring 4 x 6 inches, issued by the sponsor "Beyond the...
Maple, Screen, Wood
Eastern Realm (Grey)
By RETNA
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Beautiful print that is a replica of the same mural that sits in Brooklyn from 2014 that was made to inagurate his first show in NYC with Kohn Gallery. The original run came in editi...
Color, Screen
RETNA X BTS Silkscreen Skateboard Edition of 100 V.I.P. Event
By RETNA
Located in Draper, UT
TITLE: RETNA X BTS Silkscreen Skateboard Edition of 100 YEAR: 2018 CLASSIFICATION: Limited edition MEDIUM TYPE: Installation MEDIUM/MATERIALS: Silkscreen on maple wood skateboard dec...
Wood, Birch, Screen
BRADDOCK TILES
By RETNA
Located in Aventura, FL
Digital print on Canson paper. Unsigned hand numbered edition of 250. Artwork size 19 x 13 inches. Frame size approx 23.25 x 17.5 inches. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certif...
Digital
Sold
H 32 in W 10 in D 2 in
RETNA Beyond The Streets New York City 2018 Skateboard Urban Art Street Art
By RETNA
Located in Draper, UT
Beyond The Streets, 2018 Skateboard 32 × 10 × 2 in 81.3 × 25.4 × 5.1 cm Edition of 250 Comes With Signed Certificate Of Authenticity by the artist, RETNA. PROVENANCE COA From Beyo...
Wood, Screen
RETNA Beyond the Streets Skateboard Deck (limited edition)
By RETNA
Located in NEW YORK, NY
RETNA Beyond The Streets Limited Edition Skate Deck From a sold out edition of 250. Blue and white. Published in conjunction with the 2018 Los Ang...
Screen
RETNA Beyond the Streets Skateboard Deck (limited edition)
By RETNA
Located in NEW YORK, NY
RETNA Beyond The Streets Limited Edition Skate Deck From a sold out edition of 250. Blue and white. Published in conjunction with the 2018 Los Ang...
Screen
RETNA Beyond the Streets Skateboard Deck (limited edition)
By RETNA
Located in NEW YORK, NY
RETNA Beyond The Streets Limited Edition Skate Deck Blue and white. From a sold out edition of 250. Published in conjunction with the 2018 Los Ang...
Screen