Paintings
12 works
Retna Provocateurs For Sale
Retna
Provocateurs, 2014
Serigraph Signed and numbered
24 x 34 in 61 x 86.4 cm
Edition
Edition of 200
About this work
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.
Price on Application
Edition & Provenance
- Year
- 2014
- Medium
- Serigraph Signed and numbered
- Edition
- Edition of 200
More from this series
Retna
Black on Blast
2022
Retna
Blackstone
Retna
Bluestone
Retna
El Salvador
2014
Retna
Even The Heart Skips A Beat
2024
Retna
Even the Heart Skips a Beat (black on black)
2024
Retna
Ludavico and Ludovico (pink)
2018
Retna
Ludovica & Ludovico (blue and pink)
Retna
Ludovico
Retna
Sacred Dance of Memories
2017
Retna
Say My Name, So You Can See Me,
2017
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.