
Paintings
12 works

Sacred Solicitations II, 2016
Acrylic and enamel on canvas
68 7/8 x 58 1/4 in 175 x 148 cm
Sacred Solicitations II showcases Retna's signature calligraphic style, where layers of intricate script-like marks flow across the canvas in rhythmic waves. Created with acrylic and enamel, the work features bold gestural strokes that appear simultaneously ancient and contemporary. The artist's invented text system draws from Egyptian hieroglyphics, Arabic calligraphy, and Los Angeles graffiti culture, creating a visual language that transcends literal translation. Rich textural surfaces emerge through the interplay of paint application, with certain passages revealing underlying layers while others command attention through their density and opacity. This large-scale canvas represents Retna at the height of his artistic powers, exemplifying the work that has earned him international recognition and placement in prestigious collections worldwide. The 2016 date marks a particularly productive period when the artist refined his distinctive approach to text as pure visual form. Measuring nearly six feet in both directions, the painting offers commanding presence suitable for significant residential or institutional settings. Available for purchase — enquire for price and availability.

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