Gauntlet Gallery — Retna Print Index
Say My Name, So You Can See Me
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Say My Name, So You Can See Me (2017) is a one-color lithograph diptych printed on Marinoni machines, hand-cut, with glitter added by hand, on Vélin d'Arches 400 gsm. Each panel measures 111 x 91 cm in an edition of 99, combining into a large paired composition of Retna's coded script.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Edition size: 99. The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
The diptych format is ambitious, spanning two large panels that read as a single statement. Printed on heavyweight Vélin d'Arches with hand-applied glitter, it merges fine-art lithography with tactile embellishment. The title's plea for legibility speaks directly to Retna's core theme of naming and being seen.
Collector Perspective
As a two-panel work, presentation and matched framing are central, and both panels must be present and correctly paired. At an edition of 99 it is more available than the stone runs of 12, but its scale and diptych structure give it exceptional display impact. Confirm glitter condition and edition numbering on both sheets.
Historical Context
The title extends Retna's preoccupation with language as recognition, echoing his roots in tagging, where a name asserts presence. The 400 gsm Vélin d'Arches and Marinoni printing situate this 2017 diptych among his most materially serious editioned works.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned lithograph
- Release date
- 2017
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Lithograph; catalog dimensions 111 x 182 cm; 111 x 91 cm (43.70 x 35.82 Inches) each lithograph of the diptych; Paper Vélin d'Arches 400 g; Lithograph 1 color printed with Marinoni machines, hand cut and glitters added by hand.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Edition size: 99.
- Signature and marks
- The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature 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: No per-work artist statement is recorded for this edition. Any thematic reading should be treated as interpretation of the imagery, not a documented statement of the artist's intent. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2017 and attributes the edition to Print Them All.
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 Print Them All. 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
Is this one print or two?
It is a diptych, two panels each measuring 111 x 91 cm that together form a single composition.
What paper and finish are used?
Vélin d'Arches 400 gsm with hand-applied glitter over a one-color lithograph.
What does the title reference?
It echoes Retna's core theme that naming makes a person visible, rooted in the graffiti tradition of asserting presence through a name.
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