When the Clock Ticks, 2018

RETNA, born Marquis Lewis, is a contemporary American artist recognized for his unique script-like visual language that blends elements of calligraphy, hieroglyphics, and graffiti. Emerging from the Los Angeles street art scene, RETNA’s distinctive style draws from a wide array of global influences, including ancient script forms, cultural symbols, and spiritual references. His work often incorporates bold lines and rhythmic patterns that convey a sense of movement and mystery, inviting viewers to interpret the symbols as a form of language or coded message. RETNA’s use of monochromatic colors and stark contrasts adds a powerful, almost meditative quality to his compositions, establishing him as a prominent figure in the international contemporary art world.

In his 2018 piece, When the Clock Ticks, RETNA explores the tension between time and identity through his iconic script, using acrylic and aerosol on a large 72 x 72 inch canvas. Signed and titled on the reverse, this work exemplifies RETNA’s mastery of both precision and spontaneity, as the artist uses controlled lines and expressive spray techniques to build layers of text-like markings. The monochrome palette reinforces the timelessness and urgency suggested by the title, evoking a sense of introspection and contemplation. When the Clock Ticks speaks to RETNA’s deep interest in how time, language, and culture intersect, capturing a moment that feels both fleeting and eternal in his symbolic, universal language.