Gauntlet Gallery — Retna Print Index
The Conductor (First Edition)
Summary
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.
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.
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.
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.