RETNA (b. 1979). Untitled, 2011. Enamel on repurposed aircraft flooring (aluminum). 70-1/4 x 96 inches (178.4 x 243.8 cm...

Description

RETNA (b. 1979)
Untitled, 2011
Enamel on repurposed aircraft flooring (aluminum)
70-1/4 x 96 inches (178.4 x 243.8 cm)

PROVENANCE:
Eric Firestone Gallery;
Private collection, acquired from the above.

In 2010, Eric Firestone and curator Carlo McCormick embarked on a groundbreaking artistic endeavor titled "The Bone Yard Project." This visionary collaboration breathed fresh vitality into retired military aircraft by entrusting them to contemporary artists, resulting in a captivating fusion of history, art, and aviation that continues to inspire. The project's concept was both straightforward and audacious: salvage entire aircraft and their components from vast desert "boneyards" and metamorphose them into unique canvases for artistic expression. The hub of this creative revival was the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona, attracting renowned street artists from around the world. Among these artists was RETNA, whose distinct and intricate calligraphic style brought a mesmerizing dimension to the project. RETNA's focus was on a retired Douglas C-117D Skytrooper, a military transport aircraft.

As evident in this rare panel, taken directly from the project, RETNA's contribution to "The Bone Yard Project" stands as a potent testament to the convergence of history and contemporary art. His signature calligraphic script, characterized by its flowing and intricate lines, enveloped the jet in a tapestry of symbolic characters and symbols. This amalgamation of graffiti, street art, and calligraphy creates a mesmerizing interplay of form and meaning. RETNA's work also conveys a profound message about transformation and redemption, as his calligraphic strokes appear to breathe life into the retired aircraft. The artwork transcends conventional artistic spaces and explores unexpected mediums, blurring the boundaries between artistic expression and the world of military decommissioning.

Through his art, RETNA not only pays tribute to the past but also redefines the future of artistic expression and innovation. His intricate and meticulously designed calligraphy within the project underscores the potential of creative endeavors to reinvigorate forgotten relics and engage in a meaningful dialogue with historical context, ultimately championing the values of artistic expression over destruction.


More information about RETNA. See also: Marquis Lewis Artist.

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