Gauntlet Gallery — Retna Print Index
Eastern Realm (Gold)
Summary
Eastern Realm (Gold) (2014) is an eight-color hand-pulled serigraph in an edition of 60, signed and numbered, at 24 x 18 inches. Released January 16, 2014 in one of two colorways, the gold version showcases Retna's script in a richly layered, warm-toned print.
Why It Matters
An eight-color hand-pulled serigraph is technically demanding, far beyond the two-color prints common in his catalogue. The dense color build gives Eastern Realm unusual depth, and the gold colorway distinguishes it from its companion release, appealing to collectors who track palette variations.
Collector Perspective
At an edition of 60 with two colorways, the gold version is a specific, scarcer target within the release. The eight-color hand-pulling means registration quality matters; inspect for crisp alignment across all layers. Signed and numbered, the 24 x 18 inch format frames as an accessible statement piece.
Historical Context
The Eastern Realm title reflects Retna's fusion of Eastern calligraphic influences, from Arabic to Asian scripts, into his invented alphabet. Released in early 2014, it belongs to the period when his serigraph editions grew increasingly ambitious in color and technique.
FAQ
How many colors were used?
It is an eight-color hand-pulled serigraph, a technically involved process well beyond his common two-color prints.
What distinguishes the gold version?
The edition was released in two colorways; this is the warm-toned gold variant.
What is the edition size?
An edition of 60, signed and numbered, at 24 x 18 inches.
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.