Retna

*1979
/
United States

RETNA (born Marquis Lewis) is a contemporary artist best known for his graffiti work. Raised in Los Angeles, California, he began his career in the early 1990s and developed a unique script inspired by a mix of Blackletter, Egyptian hieroglyphics, Arabic, Hebrew calligraphy, and traditional street graffiti. Retna has expressed that his interest in typography stems "directly from [his] graffiti background," describing it as a way to bridge the gap between street art and fine art.

RETNA has exhibited in major cities like Los Angeles, Miami, London, New York, and Hong Kong, and has worked with renowned brands such as VistaJet, Louis Vuitton, CHANEL, and Nike. Notably, his artwork graced the cover of Justin Bieber's Purpose album in 2015.

Special
events

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About

Retna

Name

Retna

Lorem ipsum

2022

Example

Photographer

Year of Example

1988

Ipsum

23

Solo shows

2011

|

The Hallelujah World Tour

,

Vista Jet

,

New York City

,

USA

Collective Exhibitions

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Art fairs

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Books + Press

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Clients + collabs

2017

|

Restoration Hardware

,

Monument

,

RH West Palm

,

USA

2017

|

RETNA for the Kennedy Center

,

Production of Aida

,

Washington D.C.

,

USA

2013

|

Kennedy Center

,

Production of Aida

,

Washington D.C.

,

USA

2016

|

RETNA for Aida

,

San Francisco Opera

,

San Francisco

,

USA

2015

|

RETNA for Justin Bieber

,

Purpose Album Cover

,

,

2014

|

RETNA for Helmut Lang

,

West Hollywood Boutique

,

Los Angeles

,

USA

2013

|

RETNA for Louis Vuitton

,

Miami Design District Louis Vuitton Storefront

,

Miami

,

USA

2011

|

RETNA for Chanel

,

Beverly Hills Flagship Store

,

Los Angeles

,

USA

Awards

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Education

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Collections

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Galleries

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Upcoming
events

Markus Klinko Photographs Heidi Montag at Jonathan Club

at Jonathan Club, Los Angeles

5/11/2025
9/5/25
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Peak Inside RETNAs SOS "Sequence of Sentences"

at Gravitas, Beverly Hills

3/13/2025
12/3/25
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The Core Fine Art presents RETNA - SOS

"Sequence of Sentences"

2/17/2025
17/2/25
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A Moment with Bowie at the Jonathan Club

This January 5th 2025, marks what would have been David Bowie’s 78th birthday, a moment to reflect on an artist who continually reshaped the contours of identity and fame. In the sunroom of the Jonathan Club, The Core presents two photography of Bowie by Markus Klinko: “Smoking” and “Meditation,” each of which offers a different facet of the artist’s complex persona.

2/1/2025
13/2/25
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The Core Fine Art presents "DISCOVERING MR. BRAINWASH"

at the Jonathan Club

10/7/2024
6/10/24
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The Core Fine Art x The Vanderpump Dog Foundation

Vanderpump Dog Gala at the Maybourne Beverly Hills Hotel

11/15/2024
29/7/24
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The Core Fine Art x Jonathan Club, Los Angeles

DISCOVERING MR. BRAINWASH

8/17/2024
29/7/24
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The Core Fine Art Grand Opening

The Core Fine Art pioneers a new era of art exhibitions with pop-up showcases in unconventional spaces. From studio warehouses to members clubs, these exhibitions defy the traditional boundaries of white-wall gallery spaces, inviting diverse audiences to experience art in unexpected and thought-provoking ways.

2/5/2024
2/5/24
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The Core Fine Art x We Love Foundation

Weaving Hope: The Core Fine Art’s Donation Illuminates the 2024 We Love Foundation Gala

Grand Opening

Feb 29 - Mar 03

The Core Fine Art x mission:brain

The Core Fine Art and mission:brain unite for Neurosurgical Advancements

The Core Fine Art x Nightbird Studios

Art Meets Music: The Core Fine Art at Nightbird Recording Studios

4/29/2024
2/5/24
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