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Standing in front of He’s A Criminal No Different From Me. One Could Argue I Could Be Painted With The Same Brush, we embark on a journey through the enigmatic and captivating cosmos of RETNA, a Los Angeles-based artist who has forged a unique visual language that transcends cultural, linguistic, and temporal boundaries. Born Marquis Lewis in 1979, RETNA emerged from the crucible of graffiti and street art to become a creative that defies convention, and has blazed an inimitable trail through the world of contemporary art.
One of the most salient features of RETNA's work is the development of his distinctive script. Drawing upon an extensive range of sources that borrows elements from various ancient and contemporary writing systems, including Egyptian hieroglyphics, Arabic, Hebrew, and even Blackletter typography, RETNA has created a visual language that transcends the traditional barriers of street art. This script, at once familiar and eternal, serves as a conduit for engaging with broader themes of identity, culture, and history. The multi-layered complexity of RETNA's work, both conceptually and formally, has garnered the attention of curators, collectors, and critics alike, facilitating his ascendance into the fine art world.
Detail from Sarcophagus of Ankhnesneferibre, circa 530 BC
British Museum, LondonThe significance of RETNA's work lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in its ability to provoke reflection and dialogue. By blending together various scripts and cultural references, RETNA invites viewers to ponder the complex interplay of identity, language, and power. His art becomes a site of exploration and discovery, where personal narratives and broader socio-political issues intersect.
A Visual Lexicon Bridging Time and Culture
At the heart of RETNA's artistic practice lies his innovative script, a confluence of diverse scripts from various epochs and cultures. By amalgamating these distinct systems, RETNA creates an artistic vernacular that transcends linguistic boundaries, forging a visual dialogue that speaks to the universality of human experience. This synthesis of disparate cultural elements not only highlights the fluidity and malleability of identity but also challenges the hegemony of dominant power systems. In doing so, RETNA's work underscores the intrinsic power dynamics embedded within language, exposing the ways in which language can both empower and disenfranchise certain voices and narratives.
The title of the work, He's A Criminal No Different From Me. One Could Argue I Could Be Painted With The Same Brush encapsulates a key aspect of RETNA's artistic practice – the exploration of marginalisation. Its words resonate with RETNA's own journey, as it underscores the idea that artists who emerge from the world of street art are often stigmatised and labelled as ‘criminals’ due to the illicit nature of their work. However, the phrase also challenges this preconceived notion by suggesting that the distinctions between ‘criminals’ and other individuals may be arbitrary or superficial, thereby questioning the power dynamics and societal structures that perpetuate these categorisation.
RETNA's oeuvre embodies the intricate nexus of identity, language, and power, offering a fertile ground for examining the ways in which these elements interact within contemporary art. Through his unique visual language, RETNA weaves a complex tapestry that explores the fluidity and multiplicity of identity, while simultaneously challenging the conventions and hierarchies of linguistic systems. In doing so, his work invites comparisons with that of another contemporary champion, Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose art is similarly composed by a cacophony of words, symbols, and images that confront the viewer with the intersection of personal narratives and broader socio-political issues. Both artists employ language as a tool for subversion, challenging the established hierarchies and conventions that govern artistic expression and communication.
Through his distinctive style, incorporating elements of graffiti, Neo-Expressionism, and primitivism, Basquiat staged a damning critique the socio-political structures that have historically marginalised Black voices and experiences. Flexible, also offered in our Disruptors sale (Lot 352), is a shining example of this, and cements the unison between the two disruptors.
Lot 352, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Flexible, 1984/2016
Phillips Hong Kong Disruptors Sale, 25 May 2023
Estimate: HKD450,000 - 650,000Dialogue through Pigment and Concrete
Likewise, RETNA followed in Basquiat’s footsteps (or rather his aerosol sprays) by cutting his teeth on the streets of an American metropolis. His artistic journey began in the Los Angeles graffiti scene of the 1990s, where he honed his craft and developed his signature style. This urban backdrop has left an indelible mark on his work, with its bold lines, vibrant colours, and energetic compositions that seem to reverberate with the pulse of the city.
The transition of RETNA from the realm of street art to the distinguished domain of fine art is a testament to the artist's ability to synthesise disparate influences and contexts into a singular, coherent vision. This metamorphosis exemplifies the fluidity and adaptability of contemporary artistic practices while providing an opportunity to critically examine the porous boundaries between these seemingly distinct spheres.
The artist’s serves as a testament to the transformative power of art in redefining and renegotiating individual and collective identities. His murals and installations are not only visually arresting but also imbued with an inherent sense of agency, asserting their presence within the urban landscape, something that he has addressed first hand: ‘It is important to have art in the streets as a cultural fabric that is woven into the city for the upliftment of civic pride’i. This aspect of RETNA's practice resonates with Basquiat's engagement with the urban environment as a site of resistance and creative expression. Both artists harness the power of their chosen medium to amplify marginalised voices and narratives, challenging the status quo and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable discourse within the art world.
Another crucial factor in RETNA's transition has been the artist's ability to adapt and expand his practice into new mediums and formats. While his early works were primarily executed on the walls of Los Angeles, RETNA has since embraced a diverse array of materials and surfaces, including canvas, wood, and metal. This expansion has enabled him to engage with the rich tradition of painting and sculpture, placing his work in dialogue with the broader art historical canon. By doing so, the artist has effectively recontextualised his oeuvre, elevating it from the ephemeral realm of graffiti to the eternal sphere of fine art.
This striking evolution is emblematic of a broader shift within the art world, wherein the distinctions between these categories are increasingly blurred. In this context, RETNA's work serves as a prime example of the dynamic interplay between various artistic traditions, mediums, and practices, underscoring the plurality and heterogeneity of contemporary art. By exploring and expanding the boundaries of his practice, RETNA has not only secured his position within the pantheon of fine art but also contributed to a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between street art and the wider art historical narrative.Collector’s Digest
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The artist has been the subject of various shows at the likes of: Bakerhouse Gallery, Berlin; MAIA Contemporary, Mexico City; and Alpha 137 Gallery, New York.
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RETNA has collaborated with brands including Louis Vuitton, Nike, and Chanel; created an album cover for Justin Bieber; and designed sets for a production of Aida at the Washington National Opera and San Francisco Opera.
RETNA talks about his creative process and the dynamic career that's led to collaborations with Justin Bieber, Louis Vuitton, and the Washington National Opera
i Brittny Gastineau, ‘Fashion in the Streets: An Interview with Artist RETNA’, Haute Living, 2 May 2014, online
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Provenance
Private Collection, Asia (acquired directly from the artist)
Acquired from the above by the present owner
331
He's A Criminal No Different From Me. One Could Argue I Could Be Painted With The Same Brush
signed, titled and dated '"He's a Criminal no different from me you can argue u can Paint me W the Same Brush" RETNA 2013.' on the reverse
enamel, acrylic and crystallina on canvas
244 x 182.9 cm. (96 1/8 x 72 in.)
Executed in 2013.
Estimate
HK$300,000 - 500,000
€35,100-58,600
$38,500-64,100
Sold for HK$762,000
Anastasia Salnikoff
Head of Mid-Season Sales
+852 2318 2014
anastasiasalnikoff@phillips.com
Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com
Disruptors: Evening Sale of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Design and Watches
Hong Kong Auction 25 May 2023
301
Anna Park
Nude
Estimate HK$500,000 - 700,000
Sold for HK$698,500
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302
Wing Shya
Three works: Happy Together Stills (i) The Talk at Bar Sur; (ii) Prologue 2; (iii) Two to Tango
Estimate HK$80,000 - 120,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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303
Rolex
Ref. 6536/1
Model: Submariner
An impressive, attractive and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, black lacquered dial and braceletEstimate HK$240,000 - 480,000
Sold for HK$508,000
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304
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5207P-001
An exceptionally fine and rare platinum perpetual calendar minute repeating tourbillon wristwatch with small seconds, moon phases, leap year, day and night indication, additional solid caseback, setting pin, Certificate of Origin and presentation boxEstimate HK$4,000,000 - 6,000,000
Sold for HK$4,826,000
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305
Cartier
Ref. 2774
Model: Crash
A rare, possibly unique and exquisite white gold and diamond-set asymmetrical wristwatch with Certificate of Origin and presentation boxEstimate HK$500,000 - 1,000,000
Sold for HK$990,600
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306
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 14802ST
Model: Royal Oak Jubilee
An extremely attractive and rare limited edition stainless steel wristwatch with salmon dial, date, bracelet, certificate and presentation box, numbered 622 of a limited edition of 1,000 pieces, made in commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Royal OakEstimate HK$600,000 - 1,200,000
Sold for HK$952,500
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307
Fernando Campana and Humberto Campana
'Bolotas' armchair
Estimate HK$120,000 - 180,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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308
Mr.
Misaki
Estimate HK$2,000,000 - 3,000,000
Sold for HK$3,302,000
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309
This lot is no longer available.
310
Yayoi Kusama
I Who Sing in Celebration of Humanity
Estimate HK$7,500,000 - 9,500,000
Sold for HK$8,509,000
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311
André Butzer
Untitled
Estimate HK$700,000 - 900,000
Sold for HK$889,000
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312
Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret
Bookshelf with cabinets, model no. 14, from 'L’Équipement de la Maison' series
Estimate HK$150,000 - 200,000
Sold for HK$304,800
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313
Cartier
Ref. WGTA0044
Model: Tank Asymétrique
A rare, fine and attractive limited edition yellow gold asymmetrical wristwatch with certificate and presentation box, numbered 89 of a limited edition of 100 piecesEstimate HK$200,000 - 400,000
Sold for HK$241,300
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314
Rolex
Ref. 6241
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
An extremely rare and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with champagne dialEstimate HK$940,000 - 1,500,000
Sold for HK$1,092,200
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315
Cartier
Ref. WGTA0088
Model: Tank Chinoise
A rare, "like-new" and elegant limited edition yellow gold rectangular-shaped wristwatch with warranty and presentation box, numbered 83 of a limited edition of 150 piecesEstimate HK$100,000 - 250,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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316
This lot is no longer available.
317
KAWS
COMPANION
Estimate HK$4,000,000 - 6,000,000
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318
Andy Warhol
Figures on a Busy Street
Estimate HK$450,000 - 650,000
Sold for HK$444,500
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319
Nicolas Party
Trees
Estimate HK$10,000,000 - 15,000,000
Sold for HK$12,550,000
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320
David Hockney
The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, East Yorkshire in 2011 (twenty eleven) - 4 May
Estimate HK$680,000 - 850,000
Sold for HK$1,079,500
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321
Takashi Murakami & Virgil Abloh
"FLOWER"
Estimate HK$1,000,000 - 2,000,000
Sold for HK$2,921,000
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322
Anish Kapoor
Non Object (Mirror)
Estimate HK$3,800,000 - 4,800,000
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323
Gio Ponti
Coffee table
Estimate HK$120,000 - 180,000
Sold for HK$152,400
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324
Gio Ponti
Pair of armchairs, model no. 247, from the 'Modern by Singer' series
Estimate HK$100,000 - 150,000
Sold for HK$114,300
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325
Angel Otero
Bayamón
Estimate HK$700,000 - 1,000,000
Sold for HK$1,079,500
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326
Stanley Whitney
Stay Song 27
Estimate HK$1,800,000 - 2,800,000
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327
Rafa Macarrón
343 Almas
Estimate HK$800,000 - 1,200,000
Sold for HK$1,016,000
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328
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 44018
Model: 222
A very elegant and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with date and integrated braceletEstimate HK$250,000 - 500,000
Sold for HK$508,000
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329
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 25654BA.OO.0944BA.01
Model: Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
An extremely fine, rare and well-preserved yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with MK I dial, moon phases and integrated braceletEstimate HK$470,000 - 940,000
Sold for HK$660,400
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330
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3940
A rare and attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, leap year, 24-hour indication, Certificate of Origin and presentation boxEstimate HK$200,000 - 400,000
Sold for HK$508,000
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331
RETNA
He's A Criminal No Different From Me. One Could Argue I Could Be Painted With The Same Brush
Estimate HK$300,000 - 500,000
Sold for HK$762,000
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332
This lot is no longer available.
333
José Parlá
New Language Forms
Estimate HK$380,000 - 580,000
Sold for HK$355,600
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334
Takashi Murakami & Virgil Abloh
"ARROWS AND FLOWER"
Estimate HK$1,200,000 - 2,200,000
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335
Aya Takano
In the 30th Year of the Showa, the Day the Fire Flowers Rose
Estimate HK$500,000 - 800,000
Sold for HK$635,000
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336
Katherine Bernhardt
Six Papayas
Estimate HK$300,000 - 500,000
Sold for HK$368,300
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337
Cartier
Ref. 1734
Model: Tank Américaine
A very fine and rare limited edition platinum wristwatch with salmon dial and presentation box, numbered 16 of a limited edition of 30 pieces made for the 150th anniversary of the Swiss ConfederationEstimate HK$100,000 - 200,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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338
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5065A
Model: Aquanaut
An attractive and rare stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date and presentation boxEstimate HK$160,000 - 310,000
Sold for HK$330,200
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339
Franck Muller
Ref. 2870 NADF
Model: Chronographe Double Face
A rare and attractive yellow gold double-faced chronograph wristwatch with two-tone silvered dials, pulsations, telemeter and tachymeter scales, Certificate of Origin and presentation boxEstimate HK$80,000 - 160,000
Sold for HK$190,500
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340
Jean Prouvé
Sun shutter, designed for schools in Cameroon
Estimate HK$80,000 - 120,000
Sold for HK$101,600
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341
Jean Prouvé
Sun shutter, designed for schools in Cameroon
Estimate HK$80,000 - 120,000
Sold for HK$101,600
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342
Wolfgang Tillmans
paper drop (Studio) I
Estimate HK$100,000 - 150,000
Sold for HK$177,800
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343
Wolfgang Tillmans
paper drop (London) II
Estimate HK$100,000 - 150,000
Sold for HK$139,700
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344
Hiroshi Sugimoto
North Pacific Ocean, Ohkurosaki
Estimate HK$160,000 - 240,000
Sold for HK$215,900
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345
Hiroshi Sugimoto
Bay of Sagami, Atami
Estimate HK$160,000 - 240,000
Sold for HK$228,600
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346
Ron Arad
'Big Easy Volume 2' armchair
Estimate HK$200,000 - 300,000
Sold for HK$190,500
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347
Gio Ponti
'Diamond' flatware service for 24
Estimate HK$190,000 - 280,000
Sold for HK$254,000
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348
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 49152/000A-9540
Model: Overseas Chronograph
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date, guarantee and presentation box, numbered 91 of a limited edition of 100 pieces made for the Greek marketEstimate HK$120,000 - 200,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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349
Rolex
Ref. 16520
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A very fine and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, guarantee and presentation boxEstimate HK$180,000 - 280,000
Sold for HK$254,000
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350
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 26300ST.OO.1110ST.08
Model: Royal Oak Chronograph
A fine and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date, bracelet, Certificate of Authentication and presentation boxEstimate HK$160,000 - 320,000
Sold for HK$304,800
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351
Rolex
Ref. 1680
Model: Submariner, “Red Sub”, MK II
A rare and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, MK II dial, bracelet and presentation boxEstimate HK$120,000 - 300,000
Sold for HK$190,500
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352
After Jean-Michel Basquiat
Flexible
Estimate HK$450,000 - 650,000
Sold for HK$533,400
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353
Kenny Scharf
Unique Surfboard
Estimate HK$450,000 - 650,000
Sold for HK$406,400
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354
Poul Kjærholm
'Hammock' lounge chair, model no. PK 24
Estimate HK$90,000 - 120,000
Sold for HK$114,300
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355
Urwerk
Ref. UR-105M
Model: Dark Knight
A fine, rare and unusual limited edition titanium wristwatch with three-dimensional satellite hour display, power reserve, warranty and presentation box, numbered 10 of a limited edition of 77 piecesEstimate HK$180,000 - 280,000
Sold for HK$304,800
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356No Reserve
Rolex
Ref. 126000
Model: Oyster Perpetual 36
A attractive stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, “Tiffany” blue lacquer dial, bracelet, guarantee and presentation boxEstimate HK$60,000 - 120,000 •
Sold for HK$203,200
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357No Reserve
Alain Silberstein
Ref. TMA1-002
Model: Tourbillon Volant
A very rare and unusual limited edition stainless steel semi-skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch with date, numbered 1 of a limited edition of 9 piecesEstimate HK$80,000 - 160,000 •
Sold for HK$139,700
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358
KAWS and Estudio Campana
KAWS: MONSTER Chair
Estimate HK$400,000 - 600,000
Sold for HK$381,000
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359
KAWS
UNTITLED
Estimate HK$500,000 - 700,000
Sold for HK$419,100
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360
Hans J. Wegner
'Valet' chair, model no. 540
Estimate HK$40,000 - 60,000
Sold for HK$133,350
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361
Arne Jacobsen
'Egg' chair model no. 3316 and later ottoman, model no. 3127
Estimate HK$30,000 - 50,000
Sold for HK$35,560
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362
Yoshitomo Nara
Hand Searching
Estimate HK$400,000 - 600,000
Sold for HK$584,200
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