RETNA is a household name when it comes to street art, and combines ancient scripts with modern graffiti in a way that’s brand new and feels like it should have existed long before. When it comes to Sacred Dance, there is no exception to that, because this artwork has a special energy that will draw you in. Before we dive into this, we should get to know the artist.
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 name was inspired by a Wu-Tang Clan song! He chose “RETNA” after hearing the lyric “retina” in one of their tracks.
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 Sacred Dance?
| Artist | RETNA (Marquis Lewis) |
| Date Created | 2016 |
| Medium | Acrylic on canvas |
| Genre | Contemporary, Calligraphy Art |
| Period | 21st Century |
| Dimensions | 72 x 48 inches |
| Series / Versions | Sacred Dance Series |
| Where is it housed? | Private Collection, Los Angeles |
At first glance, Sacred Dance is just a bunch of shapes, lines, and patterns, but once you really look closer you start to see the forms start to dance. This piece’s letters and symbols piece move like they’re part of an ancient ceremony. Sacred Dance makes sense because there’s an invisible rhythm to the brush strokes.
RETNA’s recognizable mix of calligraphy and symbols from various cultures can be seen in the artwork. The performance of these forms is made to appear like a ritual, creating a sense of movement and flow. There is a quality to the whole piece that makes it feel alive, as though you are witnessing a dance in front of your eyes.
What’s So Special About Sacred Dance?
Why is Sacred Dance special? For one thing, the energy it radiates off is stunning. It’s not just a painting — it’s something you really feel as if you are part of something sacred, part of something larger, bigger. The ancient symbols of the piece are brought up to date, bringing a visual experience that refers to past and present.
The layers of the artwork are RETNA’s use of different scripts, so it feels as if you’re reading an ancient text, but at the same time, it’s a modern and striking piece of design. All the lines dance and move, continually moving our eyes across the canvas. The way the symbols come together is universal like the artwork is saying something everyone can understand — whether or not you’re equipped to read the actual words.
Interesting Facts About Sacred Dance
Blending Cultures: RETNA combines symbols and languages from around the world—Arabic, Latin, Hebrew—all brought together in one piece. It’s like seeing a universal language.
Rhythmic Inspiration: RETNA often listens to music while creating. The rhythm in his art comes from the beats he hears during his process. In Sacred Dance, you can almost feel that musical rhythm through the flowing, dancing lines.
The Power of Colors: RETNA uses deep blues, blacks, and gold in this piece, giving it a rich, almost regal feeling. The colors make the artwork feel both modern and ancient, like something you might find in a sacred chapelle.
Part of a Series: Sacred Dance is part of a larger series where RETNA explores the theme of ritual and rhythm. Each piece has its own unique flow, but they all share this sense of spiritual movement.
Artwork Spotlight: Untitled
RETNA’s artwork Untitled is available on Singulart. This artwork shows off his classic style—his signature calligraphy moves across a dark background, creating a strong and mysterious vibe. It’s a great example of how RETNA’s work captures both power and beauty at the same time.
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
Sacred Dance is not a painting, but an experience. It has this mix of ancient with modern, the lines that move and the spiritual energy overlapping to something that greets you. This artwork doesn’t just perch itself on a wall but it calls you in and allows you to feel a part of the dancing.
If you ever get the chance to see Sacred Dance in person, don’t hesitate. It’s a beautiful mix of art, culture, and history that will leave a lasting impression. Just like a dance, it stays with you long after you’ve seen it.
