Paintings
12 works
Retna Black on Blast For Sale
Retna
Black on Blast, 2022
Signed by the artist, numbered and stamped by the publishing house. 2-color lithograph printed with Marinoni lithographic press, hand cut, glitters added by hand.
38 3/4 x 27 1/2 in 98.5 x 70 cm
Edition
Edition of 99
About this work
Retna's Black on Blast print represents a captivating synthesis of street art, calligraphy, and contemporary aesthetics. Known for his distinctive blend of intricate letterforms and bold visual elements, Retna (real name Marquis Lewis) has established himself as a prominent figure in the contemporary art world.In Black on Blast, Retna showcases his signature style through a dynamic interplay of black letterforms against a vibrant background. The composition exudes a sense of energy and movement, with the artist's intricate glyphs weaving together to form a visually compelling tapestry of shapes and symbols.What sets Black on Blast apart is Retna's mastery of calligraphy, which infuses the artwork with a sense of rhythm and fluidity. Drawing inspiration from diverse cultural and linguistic traditions, Retna's letterforms transcend linguistic barriers to become abstract symbols of universal communication and expression.Moreover, Black on Blast invites viewers to contemplate the interplay between form and content, as Retna's letterforms simultaneously conceal and reveal meaning. The intricate nature of the composition encourages viewers to linger and explore the nuances of each glyph, uncovering layers of complexity and depth within the artwork.In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Black on Blast carries a powerful sense of cultural resonance, reflecting Retna's exploration of identity, heritage, and belonging. Through his unique blend of street art and calligraphy, Retna celebrates the rich diversity of human expression while also challenging viewers to reconsider their preconceptions about language and communication.Overall, Retna's Black on Blast print is a mesmerizing testament to the artist's creativity and vision. Through his innovative approach to calligraphy and his bold use of color and composition, Retna invites viewers to immerse themselves in a dynamic and evocative visual experience that transcends traditional boundaries of art and culture.
Price on Application
Auction History
Black on Blast · Retna · Artsy Auction · 2024-02 · $11,250
Black on Blast · Retna · Bonhams · 2023-04 · $17,049
Black on Blast · Retna · Artsy Auction · 2023-02 · $17,500
Black on Blast · Retna · Artsy Auction · 2022-10 · $12,500
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Sacred Dance of Memories
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More series by Retna
About the Prints Series
Series Performance & Market Position
Retna's print editions offer collectors access to one of the most visually distinctive voices in contemporary street art — his calligraphic script system, developed from a range of historical writing traditions including Egyptian hieroglyphs, Mayan symbols, Hebrew, and Arabic, creates works that operate simultaneously as abstract visual composition and encoded personal language. At Guy Hepner, Retna works have attracted collectors drawn to the meeting point of street art, calligraphy, and cultural hybridity.
Retna's prints typically achieve $2,000–$15,000 at auction and in the primary market, with larger and more complex works commanding premiums. His collaborations with mainstream fashion and music brands have expanded his collector base while his gallery exhibitions have sustained institutional credibility.
Technical & Historical Context
Born Marquis Lewis in Los Angeles, Retna developed his script system over two decades of practice, creating a visual language that draws on his African American, Native American, El Salvadoran, and Scottish heritage. The script, while partially decipherable to those familiar with its source traditions, functions primarily as a formal visual system — dense, rhythmic, and highly personal.
His print editions translate the mural-scale energy of his wall works into reproducible form, typically using screenprint or giclée techniques to capture the fine detail of his calligraphic lines. The works function both as standalone compositions and as studies for larger-scale projects.
Individual Works & Collector Preferences
Prints featuring the densest calligraphic compositions — those that most fully capture the immersive quality of his mural work — command the strongest collector interest. Works with strong colour contrast between script and ground, and those from documented editions with clear publication history, are preferred.
Authentication & Condition Considerations
Retna signs and numbers his print editions. Works should come with documentation from their publishing context. The fine calligraphic lines are susceptible to damage from surface contact; works stored and framed appropriately retain full detail and value.
Investment Analysis & 2026 Acquisition Strategy
Retna's cultural presence continues to grow, sustained by high-profile collaborations and international mural commissions. His print editions represent accessible entry points into a body of work with expanding institutional recognition.
Contact Guy Hepner at 177 10th Avenue, New York to discuss Retna print availability and collection placement.
About Retna
Retna, born Marquis Lewis, has established a robust and dynamic presence within the contemporary art market, attracting a global collecting base drawn to his distinctive visual language. His auction performance reflects a consistent demand, with works frequently appearing at major houses such as Phillips, Sotheby's, and Christie's.