*APC ART is pleased to present “Sunrise,” a compelling and deeply personal original work by RETNA (Marquis Lewis). Executed in marker on wove paper in 2019, the work measures 23 × 18 inches and is a unique 1/1 painting. The work is signed by the artist en verso in black ink and additionally features classic RETNA “bubble style” tagging on the reverse — a highly desirable detail that further anchors the work within the artist’s graffiti-rooted practice.*

*“Sunrise” stands as a powerful example of RETNA’s iconic calligraphic language, often referred to by the artist as “Margraves.” Developed over many years, this intricate symbolic system draws from a remarkable range of historical influences including ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, Arabic calligraphy, Hebrew lettering, Gothic blackletter, and modern graffiti. The result is a highly structured visual language that functions simultaneously as abstraction, communication, and cultural code.*

*The sophistication of RETNA’s script has drawn academic attention from some of the most respected scholars studying visual language and calligraphy. Harvard laureates and researchers have examined the structure of the Margraves alphabet, noting its remarkable synthesis of historical scripts and contemporary street culture. Few contemporary artists have developed a visual language as distinctive or instantly recognizable.*

*The composition of “Sunrise” captures the essence of RETNA’s practice. Bold black calligraphic forms rise across a luminous field of blue tones that evoke the quiet emergence of light at dawn. The layered strokes move rhythmically across the surface of the paper, creating a sense of movement, architecture, and coded language. The piece feels both spontaneous and deliberate — a hallmark of RETNA’s strongest works.*

*RETNA’s career has been marked by extraordinary artistic achievements. His monumental murals have appeared across major cities throughout the world, while his studio works have been exhibited internationally and collected by some of the most prominent private collectors of contemporary art. His work has also crossed into other cultural spheres, including his celebrated artistic direction and calligraphic designs for the opera “Aida” at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., a historic collaboration that brought his distinctive visual language into the realm of classical performance.*

*The artist has also collaborated with major fashion houses, global brands, and musicians, helping to expand the reach of contemporary urban art into new cultural territories. RETNA’s work is collected by leading figures in entertainment, fashion, and contemporary art patronage, reflecting the broad cultural influence of his practice.*

*At the same time, RETNA’s career has been shaped by periods of personal turmoil that have become part of the mythology surrounding his work. These struggles have added a raw authenticity to his artistic narrative and have often coincided with moments of profound creative output.*

*“Sunrise” originates from one of the most unusual and historically significant moments in the artist’s life. Executed while RETNA was undergoing rehabilitation in Mexico, the work was personally gifted to the owner of the rehabilitation center. Works created during this period are exceptionally rare and seldom appear on the open market.*

*The painting exemplifies the artist’s most recognizable and collectible style — bold Margraves calligraphy rendered in powerful black strokes across a vibrant atmospheric field. For collectors of RETNA, works that prominently feature this signature calligraphic language are widely regarded as the most desirable examples of his practice.*

*The work will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by APC ART guaranteeing the authenticity of the work in perpetuity.*

*A rare and historically meaningful original RETNA — visually powerful, culturally significant, and an exceptional investment opportunity within the contemporary urban art market.*

*Offered exclusively by APC ART.*

Provenance
Private collection; Mexico City, Mexico. 
Included with the work will be a certificate of authenticity guaranteeing the work in perpetuity. 

Condition
The work is in excellent condition. As executed by the artist in 2019. Shows incredibly well. Stunning RETNA original.