Gauntlet Gallery — Retna Print Index
The Conductor (First Edition)
Work Summary & Collector Notes
The Conductor, 2010, is a collaborative screen print measuring 30 x 22 inches in an edition of 50, printed by master printer Karen Fiorito. Described by the collaborating artist as a detail-driven composition, it pairs RETNA's script with another artist's imagery under Fiorito's printing hand.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Edition of 50, signed and numbered. The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
The Conductor documents RETNA in a formal print collaboration executed by Karen Fiorito, a printer noted for high-craft serigraphy. The collaborative framework distinguishes it from RETNA's solo editions, and the edition of 50 at a moderate scale makes it a reachable example of his partnership work.
Collector Perspective
Collaboration prints broaden a RETNA collection beyond his solo lettering pieces, and the Fiorito printing adds craft credibility. At 30 x 22 inches in an edition of 50, The Conductor is relatively accessible. Collectors should confirm signatures from the collaborating parties and the edition numbering.
Historical Context
Released in 2010, The Conductor reflects RETNA's collaborative practice during his transition into gallery-based work. Master printer Karen Fiorito's involvement links the edition to a lineage of politically and socially engaged Los Angeles printmaking of the era.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned screenprint
- Release date
- 2010
- 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 30 x 22 inches; It's a four color serigraph with one gold metallic, one silver metallic, one white and one black printed on grey, 22x30" Stonehenge archival paper.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Edition of 50, signed and numbered.
- 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: Read as documented context rather than stated intent: Released in 2010, The Conductor reflects RETNA's collaborative practice during his transition into gallery-based work. 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 2010 and attributes the edition to Downtown Dialect. The saved description also notes: I have a collaborative print with Retna that's just been released this week, The Conductor.
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 Downtown Dialect. 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 The Conductor?
It was printed by master printer Karen Fiorito.
Is it a collaboration?
Yes, it is a collaborative print pairing RETNA with another artist.
What is the edition size?
The edition is 50.
What are the dimensions?
It measures 30 x 22 inches.
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