How RETNA art rose to fame on Instagram

With more than fifteen years of prolific work behind him, the artist RETNA began creating art before broadband internet even existed. Now he is one of the most prominent and wealthy street artists of our time, as growing numbers of people look to buy RETNA art as an investment. We have the pleasure and distinction of representing this highly talented artist in this part of the world.

In our considered opinion, RETNA’s social media presence has played a significant part in his rise to fame. A recent article in LA Confidential Magazine even named him as one of the most influential Instagram stars in Los Angeles, a city full of creatives and celebrities.

Almost anyone can collect a handful of Instagram followers. However, it takes a lot more work for an artist to really build a name for themselves on social media. In this blog, we consider what you can learn from a contemporary artist’s social media presence.

RETNA art on Instagram

RETNA’s Instagram feed features everything from behind-the-scenes snaps at fashion shoots and gallery exhibition launches, to interior design shots and graffiti on buildings around LA.

His Instagram account @ironeyeretna has over 1,600 posts, which have helped to amass an impressive 126,000 followers. “Instagram allows me to reach more viewers and engage with them on a personal level,” RETNA has previously explained.

The tag #retna also brings up more than 30,000 posts by other Instagram accounts, showing the extent of the online hype that surrounds him. RETNA art features as the backdrop of many photos on Instagram today, both in LA and internationally. According to RETNA, his most Instagrammed mural is currently at Craig’s restaurant in West Hollywood, though another at the West Hollywood library is also very popular.

Instagram is a source of online inspiration

“On Instagram, I get to be inspired by what other artists are doing and see people who are inspired by my work,” RETNA explained.

He cites Sante D’Orazio, Jason Revok, Saner Edgar, NUNC Dublin as some of the artists he follows on Instagram, revealing the social media platform to be a valuable online art community.

“I’ve learned from other artists to stick to the art on Instagram and keep personal political views aside,” RETNA noted. “I’m more enticed by stuff that uplifts my spirit, so why would I want to promote negativity on my feed?”

He also mentions several “must-see murals” to LA Confidential. RETNA art resides on buildings, signs and walls around LA and elsewhere in the world, since he is first and foremost a street artist. With this in mind, Instagram provides the perfect opportunity for these static pieces of art to gain a global audience.

Purchase RETNA art for potential profits

From my experience in the contemporary art world, there is a very healthy audience looking to buy RETNA art and invest significant sums in it. This level of demand suggests good things for the artist’s future, and good potential returns for individuals who purchase RETNA artworks sooner rather than later.

If you’re seeking RETNA art for sale, pay a visit to Maddox Gallery in Mayfair, London. We have a number of pieces available to purchase, and we’d be more than happy to talk you through his works in greater detail.

Written by James Nicholls, Managing Director and Curator, Maddox Gallery.