Gauntlet Gallery — Retna Print Index
Black Magic
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Black Magic, 2011, is a five-color hand-separated fine art serigraph printed by Modern Multiples on Coventry Rag Vellum 320gsm, in an edition of 30 measuring 38 x 55 inches. The heavy vellum stock and hand-separated color layers reflect the craft-forward serigraphy that defines RETNA's collaborations with Modern Multiples.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: 38x55 Inches, limited edition of 30. 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
Modern Multiples, the Los Angeles atelier founded by the late Richard Duardo, printed many of RETNA's most respected serigraphs. Hand separation of five colors is labor-intensive and yields richer registration than photographic processes. The large format and edition of 30 make Black Magic an accessible yet substantial entry into RETNA's Modern Multiples work.
Collector Perspective
At 38 x 55 inches on premium rag vellum, this is a statement piece with the craft pedigree of a Duardo-era Modern Multiples print. An edition of 30 offers reasonable availability relative to RETNA's smaller runs. Collectors should confirm numbering and check the vellum for the crisp registration these serigraphs are known for.
Historical Context
Dated 2011, Black Magic coincides with RETNA's breakout year, when his script appeared everywhere from gallery walls to a widely publicized album cover commission. Modern Multiples, led by Richard Duardo, was central to legitimizing street-rooted LA artists within the fine-print tradition.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned screenprint
- Release date
- 2011
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Screen Print; catalog dimensions 55 x 38 inches; 5-colour, Hand-separated Fine Art Serigraph; Printed by Modern Multiples on Coventry Rag Vellum 320gsm.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: 38x55 Inches, limited edition of 30.
- 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 2011, Black Magic coincides with RETNA's breakout year, when his script appeared everywhere from gallery walls to a widely publicized album cover commission. 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 2011 and attributes the edition to Iron Eye Publishing.
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 Iron Eye Publishing. 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
Who printed this serigraph?
It was printed by Modern Multiples, the Los Angeles atelier associated with Richard Duardo.
How many colors are used?
Five colors, each hand-separated rather than photographically produced.
What is the edition size?
The edition is limited to 30.
What paper is it printed on?
Coventry Rag Vellum 320gsm, a heavy archival stock.
