• Overview
    Retna
    The thrill was having recognition from these people you looked up to. The thrill of it being illegal I guess was another part of it -- getting away with it.
    ChatGPT
    Retna is the pseudonym of Marquis Lewis, a contemporary artist known for his unique and distinctive script-like style of street art. Born in 1979 in Los Angeles, California, Retna began his career as a graffiti artist in the early 1990s.

    Retna's artistic style is characterized by intricate, hieroglyphic-like letterforms inspired by a variety of ancient scripts, calligraphy, and typography from around the world. His work often features a complex layering of text that creates visually captivating and richly textured compositions. The artist's use of language, symbols, and abstraction contributes to the enigmatic and mysterious quality of his art.

    Over the years, Retna has gained recognition for his public art installations, gallery exhibitions, and collaborations with various brands and musicians. His work has been showcased in cities around the world, and he has become a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene.

    While Retna is known for maintaining a level of anonymity, his art has spoken volumes and has been embraced both within the street art community and the broader contemporary art world. The fusion of cultural influences, linguistic diversity, and a commitment to self-expression define Retna's distinctive contribution to the realm of urban and contemporary art.

  • Series