20 Things You Didn't Know About RETNA

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.

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

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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His favorite artist is legendary graffiti writer, Chaz Bojorquez.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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

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

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20 Things You Didn't Know About RETNA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

His favorite artist is legendary graffiti writer, Chaz Bojorquez.

His favorite artist is legendary graffiti writer, Chaz Bojorquez.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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