HERE’S WHY RETNA ART IS SOARING IN VALUE

RETNA art is a global phenomenon which transcends artistic genres and linguistic barriers. Whether it’s a large-scale public mural or an indoor sculpture, no artistic medium is impossible for the artist. No wonder his value is rising rapidly across the art world.

RETNA’s iconic paintings have appeared on the Bowery/Houston Wall in New York City, Wynwood Walls in Miami and the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Grand Avenue Campus in LA. He cites his most challenging murals include a 21-story building he painted in Mexico City, and a three tower building on the ROW in Downtown LA’s Art District.

However, over the years he has made a hugely successful journey into the world of fine art too. RETNA’s unique calligraphic script is just as suited to canvas frames in art galleries as it is to brick walls in US cities.

His latest projects

With RETNA’s works already featuring in the private collections of Jeffrey Deitch, Swizz Beats and Usher among many others, it’s no surprise that the artist’s value is soaring.

During Rihanna’s annual Clara Lionel Foundation Diamond Ball in September 2017, Dave Chappelle acquired a RETNA painting as part of a charity auction with a successful bid of $180,000.

Elsewhere in the US, RETNA’s large-scale mural across the eastern exterior of Restoration Hardware’s new gallery in West Palm, Florida, was recently valued at $500,000 by the city’s Art in Public Places program.

RETNA art at auction

RETNA’s works have consistently overachieved at auction, according to Widewall’s records.

In 2014, Untitled (2011) fetched the price of $48,000, 20% over the high estimate of $40,000. The following year, Shadows of Light (2012) sold for $29,700 to beat the high estimate of $24,200 by 23%, and Soldiers is Another Frame of Mind (2013) sold for $36,400, an incredible 60% above the high estimate of $22,800.

As the artist continues to develop his commercial collaborations and celebrity commissions, there’s no doubt his work will continue to increase in value in the future.

Designers work with RETNA

RETNA’s path to commercial success has seen him collaborate with major fashion brands including Nike, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Helmut Lang. He has also stepped into the music world, recently designing the artwork for Justin Bieber’s ‘Purpose’ album cover.

“I’m fortunate that these big conglomerations find interest in working with an artist of my background,” RETNA recently told Hypebeast, although he acknowledged: “Each artist is different and has their own ideas of how they like to see their art interpreted.”

He has also stepped into other important cultural roles, acting as artistic designer for the San Francisco and Washington National Opera’s recent production of AIDA, creating a large-scale installation for a museum exhibition at San Francisco’s Legion of Honor, and even appearing in LA’s 2024 Olympic campaign video.

Margraves

We were delighted to host RETNA’s much-anticipated solo exhibition, Margraves, at Maddox Gallery’s flagship space on Maddox Street, Mayfair. Margraves was a major attraction during London’s world-famous Frieze week, and our launch event saw plenty of celebrity guests in attendance.

Speaking with Hypebeast, RETNA explained: “Margraves was inspired by the derivative of my name Marquis.”

The exhibition includes a selection of new works, and RETNA has been exploring fascinating new mediums, including a previously unexhibited stainless steel sculpture valued at more than £1m. Within the collection are pieces ranging in price from £18,000 up to £1,000,000, giving art investors a wide range to choose from in price as well as aesthetics.

Margraves ends at Maddox Gallery on 28th October, so be sure to pay us a visit before then.

If you want to learn more about investing in contemporary art, take a look at ‘The Six Key Factors to Consider When Making an Art Investment.’ To find out more about any of our represented artists, please contact Maddox Gallery. Our Sotheby’s-trained art consultants will be happy to provide expert advice.

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