Shadows of Light by RETNA is the world’s finest example of a perfect combination of graffiti and fine art. This is not only a visually striking work of art but it’s a dive into the artist’s mind where light and shadow come together to make a work of art like no other. With Shadows of Light, RETNA brings his full creative power, his distinct calligraphy, and street art fusion of fusible primitivism. So what makes this work striking? It’s more than just technique; it’s an emotional experience.
Who is RETNA and what is Shadows of Light all about? This article explores all that and more. But we’ll also look at what’s happening inside the piece itself and find out some cool and surprising stuff about it too. Prepare yourself to discover the point between and everything in between, and beyond, light and darkness.
Who Is RETNA?
Marquis Lewis, known as RETNA, is an LA graffiti artist born in 1979. He developed over the years his style which blends street art with mystical symbols that look very ancient. His paintings were bold and striking, blending elements of calligraphy, hieroglyphs, and global scripts. The fact that his art feels both old and futuristic at the same time is what sets him apart. The walls, buildings, and galleries of the world are a landscape for RETNA’s art. He’s not just a street artist, he’s invented an entirely new visual language that transcends culture.
RETNA’s transition to gallery walls was seamless while many know him for his sprawling murals. His line work is elegant and his symbols speak to their cultural references deeply to viewers. There’s something hypnotic about this art — it has a rhythm that’s somehow hard to look away from.
FUN FACT: His art isn’t just confined to walls and canvases—he even designed a custom private jet! In 2013, he collaborated with VistaJet to cover an entire jet with his signature script.
His Career
RETNA, who started his career as a graffiti artist in the early 2000s, quickly became renowned for his signature style. His art is a combination of different styles and all kinds of things mixed into it—Arabic, Hebrew, Asian, and even Incan scripts. This mix makes his work feel timeless as if you are looking at something ancient, but modern. He has worked from large murals in cities to exhibitions in eclectic and prestigious galleries, and as far as projects with brands such as Louis Vuitton. From the streets to the high-end spaces; his art is everywhere.
One of his most famous projects was designing the cover art for Justin Bieber’s Purpose album. His ability to cross over into mainstream culture without losing his unique touch makes him a standout in the world of contemporary art.
What is Happening in Shadows of Light?
| Artist | RETNA (Marquis Lewis) |
| Date Created | Not publicly known, exhibited in 2019 |
| Medium | Acrylic, aerosol on canvas |
| Genre | Contemporary art, Graffiti |
| Period | Contemporary |
| Dimensions | Varies, often large-scale |
| Series / Versions | Singular, though part of a thematic series |
| Where is it housed? | Private collections, galleries |
Featuring its signature calligraphic style that RETNA is known for, Shadows of Light is a rough push forward into the world of light and dark. The artwork plays visually with opposites: bright and dark areas that almost seem to breathe as you look at them. The black and white bold look of the symbols makes the artwork look clean but mysterious at the same time.
The piece asks you to have a go at making sense of the symbols RETNA has tagged. For all that they seem like ancient writing, they also feel modern, like they’re from another time altogether. When your eyes move across the canvas, you sense you are walking through a kind of secret code. The piece has an intriguing name because there’s even a sense of movement in the lines, almost like a dance between light and dark.
Shadows of Light by RETNA asks you to put down your phone and think. He just seems to be saying to you that not all is revealed at the onset, you have to go at your leisure to make out what is hidden in the dark.
What’s So Special About Shadows of Light?
The thing that sets Shadows of Light apart is how simple it is and yet how deep the meaning is. The pure black and white is stripped away from the forms and symbols and feels calm and focused. The light and shadow aren’t merely visualizations but also symbolism.
Unlike most of RETNA’s colorful works, Shadows of Light is more muted, but with just as much power because of its insistence on the careful application of contrast. It’s so simple that people can focus on the detail and it has a lot to show if you look closely. It is as if the artwork is posing the question of: What’s being kept in the dark and what is being brought to the light?
The abstract calligraphy and the sense of mystery make this for anybody. Yet whether you are a graffiti fan or an ardent fan of fine art, Shadows of Light has something to say and something to feel that you are experiencing simultaneously.
Interesting Facts About Shadows of Light
Universal Symbols: RETNA’s art feels like a code. His use of symbols, influenced by hieroglyphics and global calligraphy, invites viewers to interpret the meaning based on their feelings. Everyone might see something different in Shadows of Light.
Cosmic Inspiration: RETNA often includes celestial symbols in his work. Shadows of Light hints at his fascination with the stars and the universe, giving the piece a sense of cosmic balance.
The Power of Black and White: RETNA is known for his bold use of color, but Shadows of Light is special because it’s entirely black and white. This choice makes the contrasts between light and dark more dramatic, drawing attention to the intricate lines and forms.
RETNA’s Global Reach: Though he’s based in Los Angeles, RETNA’s work can be found in galleries and on walls all over the world, including in Paris, New York, and beyond. Shadows of Light has been exhibited in some of the most renowned art spaces, reinforcing his international appeal.
Artwork Spotlight: Skateboard Skate deck
RETNA’s artwork Skateboard Skate deck is available on Singulart. This artwork is a fun example of how his calligraphic designs translate onto different surfaces, including skateboards. It’s a cool blend of art and street culture.
Are you looking for a piece of artwork from RETNA?
Singulart has limited edition prints of RETNA. If you are looking for a piece of RETNA‘s artwork for sale, simply click on the artwork or the button below to discover more!
FAQs
1. What is RETNA painting?
American street artist RETNA is well-known for his distinctive letterforms and typography. Graffiti, photography, painting, and other diverse media are all explored by RETNA through the use of visual linguistics, urban poetics, and appropriated fashion images.
2. What nationality is RETNA?
Born Marquis Lewis in 1979, RETNA is a modern artist best known for his graffiti creations. He began his career in the early 1990s and was reared in Los Angeles, California.
Conclusion
RETNA’s Shadows of Light is a brilliant example of how an artist can play with contrast and create something truly captivating. The black-and-white simplicity gives the piece a timeless quality, while the complex symbols pull you in and make you think. It’s one of those works that reveal more the longer you look at it, a true testament to RETNA’s skill as an artist.
What makes it even more fascinating is how he blends street art with ancient influences. His calligraphy-like forms give Shadows of Light a sense of mystery, while the balance between light and darkness evokes a feeling of calm and reflection. It’s a piece that feels alive, constantly shifting between what’s seen and what’s hidden.
