Gauntlet Gallery — Retna Print Index
Brimstone X
Summary
Brimstone X, 2010, is a five-color serigraph published and printed by Modern Multiples for RETNA's 'Desaturated' exhibition at New Image Gallery in West Hollywood. The tall, narrow 59 x 22 inch format and edition of 16 make it a distinctive vertical companion within the Brimstone series.
Why It Matters
Tied directly to the 'Desaturated' show, Brimstone X carries clear exhibition provenance and the Modern Multiples printing pedigree. The elongated 59 x 22 format is unusual and lets RETNA's script cascade as a vertical column. An edition of 16 places it firmly in scarce territory.
Collector Perspective
Exhibition-linked provenance from 'Desaturated' and a small edition of 16 give Brimstone X strong collector appeal. The narrow vertical format suits specific display spaces and pairs naturally with its companion, Brimstone M. Confirm the Modern Multiples publication details and edition numbering when acquiring.
Historical Context
Produced in 2010 for the 'Desaturated' exhibition at New Image Gallery, Brimstone X belongs to RETNA's early gallery-show editions as he transitioned from street work to formal exhibitions. Modern Multiples, the LA atelier, anchored this period of his serigraphy output.
FAQ
What exhibition is this print tied to?
It was made for RETNA's 'Desaturated' show at New Image Gallery in West Hollywood (2010).
Who printed it?
It was published and printed by Modern Multiples.
What is the edition size?
The edition is 16.
What is unusual about the format?
Its tall, narrow 59 x 22 inch proportions create a vertical column of script.
About the Artist
RETNA (Marquis Lewis, born 1979 in Los Angeles) is an American artist known for a distinctive invented script that fuses graffiti, calligraphy, and historical alphabets including Egyptian hieroglyphs, Arabic, and blackletter. He rose from the LA street-art scene and gained wide recognition in the 2010s through gallery exhibitions and public murals. His hybrid typographic style has led to collaborations with brands and institutions, and his large-scale text-based canvases have been shown internationally. RETNA's coded lettering remains his signature, treated as a personal, largely illegible language.
Collecting Retna at Gauntlet Gallery
What should I look for when buying a RETNA print?
Look for signed and numbered screen prints from documented releases, noting the edition size, paper, and any embossed publisher marks. RETNA's dense script prints are popular, so verify that the signature and numbering match the known edition. Original paintings require thorough provenance. Gauntlet Gallery lists edition details and condition for each RETNA work offered.
How are RETNA works authenticated?
Authentication rests on the publisher's certificate of authenticity, the hand signature, and a clear ownership trail from a gallery, auction house, or the studio. Comparing the print to its published edition specifications is key. Gauntlet Gallery documents each piece with its available paperwork and provenance rather than relying on any authority the artist does not endorse.
What drives value in RETNA's work?
Unique canvases and hand-embellished works sit at the top of the market, followed by low-edition signed prints in strong condition. Value reflects scale, complexity of the script composition, exhibition history, and provenance. Well-preserved, fully documented pieces from recognized editions retain value most reliably.