RETNA
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RETNA
Dec 26, 2023—Jan 21, 2024
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RETNA Appetite for Destruction RETNA, the enigmatic and pseudonymous street artist, has gained renown not only for his intricate and visually striking creations but also for his penchant for the unconventional act of destroying his own artworks. In a bold departure from the notion of artistic preservation, RETNA deliberately engages in a process of selfdestruction, transforming his pieces from static expressions of creativity into dynamic, ephemeral statements. This act challenges the commodification of art and questions the traditional boundaries of permanence and impermanence in the art world. By intentionally dismantling his own works, RETNA forces viewers to confront the transient nature of artistic expression, fostering a dialogue about the inherent vulnerability and fleeting beauty of both art and life. The destruction then restoring of his creations, through stitching and other means, becomes a performance in itself, inviting contemplation on the cyclical nature of creation, destruction, and the continual evolution of artistic identity.
Historically, RETNA’s work features a remarkable combination of typography and lettering created from a self-invented language drawn from hieroglyphs, Hebrew and Old English. Taking inspiration from Native American, Hebrew, Arabic and Egyptian histories, he arranges blocks of text according to intricate signals encoded with symbolic meaning. However, “Appetite for Destruction”, opening Dec. 2023, in Fort Lauderdale at Burgess Modern + Contemporary, methodically combines the juxtaposition of his sophisticated system of script with his bold departure from the ‘orthodox’ – manifested from his deliberate and engaging process of self-destruction. This manhandled physicalness transforms his pieces from static expressions of creativity into dynamic, ephemeral statements.
An artist of Salvadoran, Cherokee, Spanish, and African American ancestry, RETNA is iconized by coded linguistics of potent narratives that navigate the viewer through various historical epochs and cultural contexts. Recently, these compelling messages have evolved, manifesting physically through dynamic and assertive techniques such as slashing, gashing, and gouging. To then be stitched back up, like some ritualistic sacrifice, evidence of the devastation, the sutured rips and tears speak volumes of forgiveness, apologies, and vindications of regrets. More inner reflection than outer aggression, “Appetite for Destruction” affords the viewer a window into the artist’s quest for creation and redemption. On one hand, RETNA's self-destructive art is not only a challenge to the established norms of the art world but also a reflection of the continual evolution of artistic identity. By dismantling his own creations, RETNA refuses to be confined by a static style or a fixed identity. He embraces change and impermanence as integral aspects of his artistic journey. By embracing the destruction of his own works, RETNA invites viewers to witness not only the transformation of art but also the evolution of the artist himself. On the other hand, this act of slashing and tearing, then stitching and repairing, coupled with the act of painting itself transcends mere expression, becoming a therapeutic journey. His canvases are more than just visual spectacles; they are vehicles of healing, enabling him to navigate and process complex emotions. Through his distinctive artistic language, RETNA externalizes internal struggles, giving form and voice to feelings often challenging to express. This transformative process not only offers him personal solace and understanding but also resonates deeply with viewers. They may see reflections of their own experiences and emotions within his art, underscoring how RETNA's work extends beyond aesthetic appeal to become a potent tool for both personal and collective healing. RETNA | Appetite for Destruction 6
The painting “Basket Knots”, 2023 presents a complex interplay of form and language, where the textual and the visual are intrinsically interwoven. A lattice of sparkling calligraphic strokes suggests an abstracted textuality, evoking the layered expressiveness of urban graffiti. RETNA employs a monochromatic palette, which starkly contrasts the intricate patterning and imbues the work with a graphic potency that is both immediate and enigmatic. The composition is densely compact, creating an almost inferred palimpsestic effect, conveying a sense of historical depth and cultural resonance. The vertical and horizontal orientations of his characters harbor structural qualities, like woven fabric or an interlaced network, pointing to the interconnectedness of communication across different cultures and epochs – a structural gestalt that is now reflected physically in his stitched imperfections. The tension between legibility and abstraction, and now destruction and reunion, is how RETNA challenges the viewer to consider the power of written language as a more visual experience. Transforming characters and symbols into a form of abstract expressionism, he now projects physical evidence of artistic hostility. “Slang Them Colors”, a poignant memoir to the artist’s late father, exhibits a striking use of typographic elements, a signature characteristic of his oeuvre. The artwork is a vivid tableau of interlocking characters, rendered in a palette of predominantly red, white, and blue symbolizing both the public nature of his father’s work and rich and often conflicting tapestry of American heritage. The viewer is left to draw parallels between the cuts and stitching on the canvas, emblematic of the exploration of grief, identity, and the enduring connection between father and son. The fluidity and slight overlap of the codified letters suggest a conversation, an intimate dance of memory and homage that
transcends the physical medium to evoke the depth of familial bonds and the complexity of mourning. The anarchistic incisions - seemingly hostile artistic acts - in “Appetite for Destruction” challenge the commodification of art, an ideal that is particularly relevant in an era where the art market can sometimes overshadow the essence of artistic expression. RETNA's unconventional approach suggests that true artistic value lies in the experience and the dialogue it generates rather than an artwork’s monetary worth. RETNA forces viewers to confront the transient nature of artistic expression, and question the traditional boundaries of permanence and impermanence, fostering a dialogue about the inherent vulnerability and fleeting beauty of both art and life. The destruction and revival of his creations becomes a performance, inviting contemplation on the cyclical nature of creation, destruction, and the continual progression of artistic identity. RETNA embraces change and impermanence as integral aspects of his artistic journey. In a world that often categorizes artists into distinct styles or periods, RETNA's refusal to be confined by such limitations is liberating. It speaks to the fluid and dynamic nature of artistic expression, emphasizing that artists, like their creations, are in a constant state of evolution. By embracing the destruction of his own works, RETNA invites viewers to witness not only the transformation of art but also the evolution of the artist himself. —
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RETNA (b. 1979) I Love You, Except You, 2023
Acrylic and crystalline on canvas 72 x 72 in
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RETNA (b. 1979) I Love You, Not Just You, 2023
Acrylic and microbeads with crystalline on canvas 72 x 72 in
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RETNA (b. 1979) Basket Knots, 2023
Acrylic and crystalline on canvas 72 x 60 in
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RETNA (b. 1979) A Night’s Rest, 2023
Acrylic and crystalline on canvas with leather stitching 72 x 60 in
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RETNA (b. 1979) Slang Them Colors, 2020
Acrylic on canvas with leather stitching 96 x 72 in
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RETNA (b. 1979) Untitled, 2023
Acrylic on paper 60 x 40.24 in
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RETNA (b. 1979) Untitled, 2023
Acrylic on paper 60 x 40.24 in
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RETNA (b. 1979) Untitled, 2023
Acrylic on paper 60 x 40.24 in
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RETNA (b. 1979) Diptych 1, 2023
Acrylic on paper 60 x 80.50 in
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RETNA (b. 1979) Diptych 2, 2023
Acrylic on paper 60 x 80.50 in
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RETNA
Appetite for Destruction Dec 26, 2023—Jan 21, 2024
822 E. Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954.524.2100 www.burgesscontemporary.com info@burgesscontemporary.com
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