ROJO (Margraves)

Curatorial note

*APC ART is pleased to present “Rojo (Margraves),” an exceptional, large-scale unique work by RETNA (Marquis Lewis). Executed in 2021 at the artist’s Santa Fe Avenue studio in Los Angeles, this one-of-a-kind painting is rendered in watercolor and charcoal on wove paper and measures an impressive 30 × 44 inches.* *This is a commanding, museum-quality RETNA original that immediately asserts its presence. The composition is anchored by the artist’s unmistakable calligraphic language — his self-described “Margraves” — scrawled boldly across the surface with fluid, confident movement. On the left, dynamic splashes of deep, saturated red collide with radiant blue accents, creating a striking contrast against the raw paper ground. These gestural elements inject energy and tension into the work, while the central inscription anchors the composition with authority and balance.* *RETNA’s “Margraves” script is among the most unique and intellectually compelling visual languages in contemporary art. Developed over decades — beginning in his teenage years — the script draws from a complex fusion of Old English, Arabic, Hebrew, and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. It is both aesthetic and linguistic, a coded system that has been the subject of academic study, including analysis by Harvard scholars and laureates. The result is a body of work that exists at the intersection of street culture, fine art, and historical language systems.* *Few artists have had the impact on contemporary art that RETNA has achieved. Rising from the Los Angeles graffiti scene, he has become a global force, exhibiting internationally and collaborating with some of the most prestigious institutions and brands in the world. His work with Louis Vuitton and his monumental stage design for the opera Aida at the Kennedy Center stand as defining moments in his career, demonstrating his ability to operate seamlessly across disciplines and at the highest levels of cultural production.* *At the same time, RETNA’s personal journey has been marked by well-documented turbulence. His battles with substance abuse, the infamous incident involving the destruction of his own exhibition (later framed as a conceptual or PR-driven act), and allegations of domestic conflict have all contributed to a complex and deeply human narrative. For collectors, this duality — brilliance and volatility — has only reinforced the raw authenticity and historical importance of his work.* *RETNA’s works are held in major private collections and are exhibited in prominent institutions worldwide. His collector base spans serious blue-chip collectors, cultural tastemakers, and institutions that recognize his role as one of the defining artists of his generation.* *“Rojo (Margraves)” is an exceptional example of the artist’s most desirable output. Collectors place significant value on works in which RETNA explicitly inscribes “Margraves,” as these pieces directly reference the core of his practice. Such works are increasingly rare to encounter, particularly at this scale and level of execution.* *Large-scale RETNA originals of this caliber are highly sought after and frequently achieve six-figure results on the open market. This work represents a rare opportunity to acquire a museum-quality example directly from the personal collection of APC ART — a firm that has been actively buying, selling, and collecting RETNA’s work since 2007.* *The work is in excellent overall condition, will look absolutely amazing, framed and will command attention in any setting.* *Wherever this work is placed, it will immediately become the focal point of the space — a true statement piece that bridges street culture and fine art at the highest level.* *The work is in hand in the United States and will ship immediately, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by APC ART guaranteeing authenticity in perpetuity. We are pleased to offer archival framing options to ensure museum-quality presentation and preservation.* *An extraordinary, investment-grade work by one of the most enigmatic and culturally relevant artists of our time.* *Offered exclusively by APC ART.* *MIA. ATL. NYC. LA. PARIS. LONDON. TOKYO* Provenance Private collection; Miami Beach, Florida. USA.  Included with the work will be a certificate of authenticity from APC ART, guaranteeing the work in perpetuity.  Condition  Shows well, as executed by the artist at his Santa Fe Ave studio, Los Angeles. Any imperfections are a result of the creative process.

Specifications

Artist

RETNA

Title

ROJO (Margraves)

Edition

Unique work

Signature

Unsigned

Framing

Unframed

Presented by

APC Gallery

Where this work sits

Delivery

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