Marquis Lewis (RETNA) — MSK Verified Member • Pioneer of Ancient Script & Calligraffiti Murals
Marquis Lewis, working under the moniker RETNA, developed a globally celebrated constructed script blending Arabic, Old English, Incan, and traditional Los Angeles gang cholo handstyles. Joining MSK in the late 1990s, RETNA took calligraphic graffiti from LA street walls to monumental facades in Wynwood, Paris, Hong Kong, and major opera set designs.
“Words possess sacred geometric power. I wanted to build an alphabet that carried universal street resonance across every culture.”
A monumental two-story Wynwood Arts District facade painted in RETNA's signature monochromatic hieroglyphic script. The flowing vertical columns contain poetic street scriptures encoded in his proprietary alphabet.
Unstoppable All-City Wildstyle, Industrial Rollers & Steel Heavyweights
Los Angeles Motor Yard, LA River & The Seventh Letter Vanguard
1985 Los Angeles All-City Pioneers, Freeway Heavens & Belmont Legends
Beyond the Streets Pavilions & Wall Grounds — Los Angeles, CA
Venice Beach Boardwalk Skate Park — Venice Beach, CA