Retna's Even The Heart Skips a Beat (Black on Black) is a moody, immersive meditation on rhythm, emotion, and presence. Rendered in layered tones of deep black, the work relies on subtle shifts in texture and sheen to reveal his iconic script - an abstract alphabet drawn from global typographies. The monochrome palette creates a sense of quiet intensity, echoing the title’s suggestion of interruption or emotional jolt. At once restrained and powerful, this piece invites close, contemplative viewing, revealing RETNA’s mastery of contrast, nuance, and the expressive potential of mark-making in its most elemental form.

RETNA, born Marquis Lewis, is an American street artist known for his distinctive calligraphic style that combines elements from ancient scripts, hieroglyphics, and modern graffiti. His intricate compositions are built from a unique, invented alphabet, blending influences from Arabic, Egyptian, Hebrew, and Native American cultures, creating visual poems that are both cryptic and rhythmic. RETNA’s work often explores themes of identity, spirituality, and the power of language, capturing an aura of mystery and reverence. The bold, abstracted script, applied in sweeping, repetitive patterns, transforms walls, canvases, and even fashion items into meditative experiences that invite viewers to interpret deeper meanings