20 Things You Didn't Know About RETNA

One of our favorite artists has a lot more to him than you know.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

The world of contemporary street art has its rising stars and its fading legends, but some retain a timelessness in their work that makes them seem forever iconic. Amongst these artists, RETNA stands apart as a creator with a clear vision of innovating street art and showing its boundless potential. RETNA has managed to infuse the histories of great societies into his own personal dialogue, inspiring immediate reactions and praise from anyone who has seen his work on the street or in a gallery. His linguistically inspired work resonates and will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come. Here are 20 Things You Didn't Know About RETNA.

RELATED: 20 Things You Didn't Know About Jean-Michel Basquiat
RELATED: 20 Things You Didn't Know About Andy Warhol

He adopted the name RETNA from the Wu-Tang Clan song, "Heaterz."

Not Available Interstitial

RETNA was 9-years-old when he first began using spray paint for graffiti.

Not Available Interstitial

RETNA's first pseudonym (when he was 10) was A1, because he really liked the steak sauce.

Not Available Interstitial

RETNA was the head of a graffiti crew and then a major art collective in L.A, both of which influenced his decision to not attend art school.

Not Available Interstitial

RETNA has created an original alphabet, fusing together symbols from ancient Incan and Egyptian hieroglyphics, Arabic, Hebrew, Asian calligraphy, and graffiti.

Not Available Interstitial

RETNA's desire to know more about the different cultures of the world and show our collective unity inspired his research into various ancient languages.

Not Available Interstitial

His favorite artist is legendary graffiti writer, Chaz Bojorquez.

Not Available Interstitial

RETNA is a member of the internationally recognized and exclusive art collective, The Seventh Letter.

Not Available Interstitial

Much of what RETNA writes has to do with death and waiting for death, in addition to honoring people who have passed away.

Not Available Interstitial

Chanel commissioned RETNA to decorate some walls inside their store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills in 2011.

Not Available Interstitial

Some of RETNA's works include the Spanish curses his mother used to call him when he was in trouble.

Not Available Interstitial

RETNA is African-American, El Salvadorian, Spaniard, Pipil, and Cherokee.

Not Available Interstitial

All of his works are more verbal than visual, representing memories, conversations, or reactions to other written dialogue.

Not Available Interstitial

Brimestone is the name of RETNA's alcoholic alter ego, which is one of his more visually focused images.

Not Available Interstitial

VistaJet, Swiss operator of 31 private aircrafts, commissioned RETNA to paint the tail of its largest corporate jet, the Bombardier Global Express XRS. The company also sponsored a traveling exhibition of RETNA's paintings.

Not Available Interstitial

In 2012, he was commissioned to paint a mural on the side of Louis Vuitton's store in Miami's Design District.

Not Available Interstitial

This year, Louis Vuitton decided to collaborate with several artists, including RETNA, to design their traditional scarf, shawl and stole models for the Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

Not Available Interstitial

RETNA's art has been purchased by the likes of MOCA director, Jeffrey Deitch, and Usher.

Not Available Interstitial

He collaborated with Supra on his own Society sneaker, with only 413 pairs created.

Not Available Interstitial

RETNA has participated in over 30 international exhibitions, making him one of the most prolific contemporary street artists.

Not Available Interstitial

Latest in Style