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Tag Archives: Graffiti

Streets: RETNA // The Beauty Project (Mexico City)

Recently in Mexico City, RETNA (featured) was invited in to create public art for The Beauty Project México. Painting his distinct script at the Cuauhtemoc building in the Tlatelolco neighborhood, the Los Angeles-based writer spent a few days working on the 21 story twin structures, his tallest intervention to date. Other artist who will be joining the project in the upcoming weeks include Alexis CILER, Olivia Steele, Saner, AEC (Interesni Kazki), Ericailcane and others. Discuss RETNA here. Photo credit: Victor Ceballos, Toni Francois, Fifty24MX, and the artist.

RETNA x Jossie Ochoa Body Paint Project

Working with his muse, Jossie Ochoa, RETNA (featured) recently completed another project with the Guatemalan American model. With video and photography provided by The Golden Kingdom, the graffiti writer utilized his urban script for a body painting session. This was not their first collaboration as she was featured on RETNA’s billboards in West Hollywood, San Vicente and Sunset back in 2014 if you remember. Take a look at more photos and short video below… Discuss RETNA here.

Films: Wall Writers: Graffiti in its Innocence

Following a number of screenings across the US this year, Wall Writers has been released on iTunes. The meticulously researched documentary chronicles the birth of graffiti and explains how working class kids wrote their names as an assertion of their existence and their personal identity, distinct from the political and gang graffiti which preceded the movement. This, along with an accompanying book by the same name, is the latest project by Roger Gastman, who previously co-curated MOCA’s landmark Art in the Streets exhibition (covered) and […]

Previews: JonOne – “Crossing Over” @ Galeries Bartoux (New York)

JonOne returns to New York next week (starting November 30th) for an exhibition at Galerie Bartoux entitled Crossing Over, the first solo show in his hometown since moving to Paris almost 30 years ago. The new body of work consists of 27 new paintings which address the relationship between chaos and order in our cities. The American graffiti artist’s loose and expressive handstyles bring to mind the spontaneous and chaotic forces within our urban spaces such as crime, art and public protest. These letterforms sit alongside areas of negative space […]

Previews: “Roll Call” @ L.A. Louver

Tonight in Los Angeles at L.A. Louver, Gajin Fujita has put together a heavy lineup for a group show entitled Roll Call. With many of the original graffiti crews as well as some of the succeeding generations of artists represented, fans will be in for a treat. Participants include Chaz Bojorquez, David Cavazos (Big Sleeps), Fabian Debora, Ricardo Estrada, Alex Kizu (Defer), Patrick Martinez, Retna, Jose Reza (Prime), Jesse Simon, Slick. Fujita further explains – “Graffiti gave us a voice and a sense of identity. It was […]

Showing: Revok – “SYSTEMS” @ Library Street Collective (Los Angeles)

Only showing through the end of the week is SYSTEMS from Revok at Library Street Collective’s new permanent location in Los Angeles. The collection of 17 new works see the infamous graffiti writer move in a more abstract direction while still maintaining an intriguing conceptual connection with his time on the streets. The exhibition marks a turn away from the increasingly complex wood assemblages he has become known for while heading towards a new freedom of working on canvas. Refreshing old concepts from his artistic roots, he has created […]

Showing: RETNA x SF Opera – “Aida”

After working with the Legion of Honor on an Egyptian exhibition (covered), RETNA’s (featured) recently took the role of the artistic designer for another Bay Area institution, the SF Opera. Again like with the exhibition, the choice of the infamous Los Angeles graffiti writer’s imagery as the backdrop was a bold but interesting decision as his script takes influence from hieroglyphics which matches up well with the current production of Aida, Verdi’s famous opera set in Egypt. Take a look at the stunning visuals as well as video interview […]

Preview: Seth – “Tribute 1996-2016” @ Galerie Géraldine Zberro

Two years since his last show with the gallery (covered) and a year since his last show in Paris (covered), Julien “Seth” Malland is opening a solo in his hometown with Galerie Géraldine Zberro. Titled Tribute 1996-2016, the show celebrates the first twenty years of actively painting in the street and pays tribute to those early days in the infamous Parisian graffiti scene. With roots deep inside a movement that was driven by the rebellious need to leave a mark in your surroundings, the French artist will look back on his very beginnings with this […]

Basel Week Miami ’15: RETNA // Artceleration @ Macaya Gallery

Tonight at the start of Basel Week Miami, Macaya Gallery in the heart of the Wynwood Art District held a special live painting session in conjunction with Hoerle Guggenheim. As one of three participating artists, RETNA (featured) was asked to paint a FERRARI F430 Challenge Car from ANSA Motorcars. Each impressive automobile will be auctioned with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Miami Children’s Health Foundation and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, as well as the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The event which they call ARTCELERATION will go on […]

Previews: Eric Haze – “Reflex Memories” @ Galerie Wallworks

Tonight in Paris, graffiti legend Eric Haze (featured) will be opening his show to the public at Galerie Wallworks. Entitled Reflex Memories, the exhibition will be the first solo in France from the American artist who found his fame on the streets of New York in the early 70’s. The collection of works incorporate some of his iconic arrows and stars as well as highlights some of his letterforms which focus on different meaningful world cities and years in the past. Discuss Eric Haze here.