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Overview
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.
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. -
Select Retna Illustrations and Prints
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Retna, Even The Heart Skips A Beat, 2024
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Retna, Black on Blast, 2022
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Retna, Chinga tu Maiz, 2018
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Retna, El Nino Oscuro ha Regresado, 2018
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Retna, Sacred Dance of Memories, 2017
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Retna, Even the Heart Skips a Beat (black on black), 2024
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Retna, Sacred Scars, 2014
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Retna, Sensations of a Black Line, 2013
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Retna, Untitled, 2006
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Series
Retna
Untitled, 2014Acrylic and crystalline on canvas84 x 84 in
213.4 x 213.4 cmSeries: PaintingsCopyright The ArtistRetna, also known as Marquis Lewis, is a contemporary artist renowned for his distinctive blend of graffiti, street art, and calligraphy. Born in Los Angeles, California, Retna emerged from the...
Retna, also known as Marquis Lewis, is a contemporary artist renowned for his distinctive blend of graffiti, street art, and calligraphy. Born in Los Angeles, California, Retna emerged from the local graffiti scene in the 1990s and quickly gained recognition for his unique visual style.Drawing inspiration from diverse cultural influences, including ancient scripts, typography, and urban street art, Retna developed a signature script that he incorporates into his artworks. His intricate compositions often feature a complex interplay of symbols, letters, and hieroglyphics, creating visually captivating pieces that transcend language barriers.
Retna's art is characterized by its depth of meaning and rich symbolism, exploring themes such as identity, spirituality, and human connection. Through his distinctive visual language, he invites viewers to interpret his work on a personal level, fostering a deeper engagement with his art.
Over the years, Retna has exhibited his work in galleries and museums worldwide, solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential contemporary artists of his generation. His murals adorn public spaces in cities across the globe, leaving a lasting impact on the urban landscape.
In addition to his visual art, Retna has collaborated with various brands and musicians, further expanding his reach and influence. His multidisciplinary approach to art has garnered him widespread acclaim and cemented his legacy as a visionary artist pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.