Gauntlet Gallery — Retna Print Index
Agua Sucia II
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Agua Sucia II is a 2012 etching by RETNA in a tight edition of 10, measuring roughly 16.5 x 13.75 cm. The intaglio medium marks a departure from the artist's large silkscreen output, translating his invented calligraphic alphabet into the fine, incised line of a plate. The intimate scale rewards close reading of each glyph.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Edition of 10. Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
Etchings are uncommon in RETNA's catalogue, which is dominated by serigraphs and hand-finished multiples. An edition of only 10 places Agua Sucia II among the artist's most restricted print runs. For collectors, the piece documents RETNA testing his script within a traditional printmaking discipline that demands precision rather than gestural scale.
Collector Perspective
With just 10 impressions, availability is inherently thin, and the small format suits collectors building a focused works-on-paper holding. The etching medium appeals to those who value process and printmaking craft over wall-scale impact. Verify plate condition, paper margins, and edition numbering when examining any impression.
Historical Context
Dated 2012, Agua Sucia II arrives during a period of intense demand for RETNA following his rise from the Los Angeles graffiti scene into gallery and museum contexts. The Spanish-language title, translating loosely to 'dirty water,' reflects the bilingual and cultural references that recur throughout his lettering-based work.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned print or object
- Release date
- 2012
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Etching; catalog dimensions 16.5 x 13.75 cm.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Edition of 10.
- Signature and marks
- Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering against a documented example of this edition.
Documented History and Meaning
History note: This page treats Retna's broader career as background context, not proof that this specific edition belongs to any single exhibition or event. Release-level facts here come from a saved secondary catalog record.
Meaning / interpretation: Read as documented context rather than stated intent: Dated 2012, Agua Sucia II arrives during a period of intense demand for RETNA following his rise from the Los Angeles graffiti scene into gallery and museum contexts. This is an interpretive reading of the release context, not a statement of the artist's intent for this specific work. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2012 and attributes the edition to Known Gallery.
Authentication, Presentation and Provenance
- Original presentation
- Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.
- Authentication note
- Compare the support, dimensions, edition number, and signature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet Gallery does not authenticate works purchased from third parties.
- Provenance note
- Edition origin is attributed in the saved record to Known Gallery. That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence, and condition photographs.
Sources and Verification
Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; artist-level context added
- Saved release record — Art Collectorz · secondary catalog snapshot · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Starting record for title, year, edition, dimensions, medium, and release description. Primary confirmation against the original release page remains pending.
- Retna — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
- RETNA (Q16218751) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.
FAQ
How large is the edition?
The edition is limited to 10, one of RETNA's smallest published print runs.
What medium is this print?
It is an etching, an intaglio process, rather than the silkscreen technique RETNA is best known for.
What does the title mean?
'Agua Sucia' translates from Spanish as 'dirty water'; this is the second work, 'II,' bearing the title.
How big is the physical work?
It measures approximately 16.5 x 13.75 cm, an intimate scale well suited to close viewing.
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