Auction: January 30 at 11 AM CT

Our curators picked their favorite items from our upcoming January 30 RETNA: Signs and Symbols Part 1 Urban Art Signature® Auction.
| Taylor's Picks Taylor Curry | Director, Modern & Contemporary Art, New York
RETNA Untitled
One of the standout lots in this sale is a captivating sculpture by RETNA, showcasing the artist's extraordinary talent for blending calligraphic forms with contemporary materials. The interplay of light and texture imbues the piece with dynamic energy, creating a striking connection to its surroundings. RETNA's unique ability to transform traditional writing systems into bold, modern sculptural expressions offers a profound exploration of cultural identity and artistic innovation. This remarkable work is a statement piece for any collection.
Shepard Fairey Late Hour Riot, 2018
Late Hour Riot by Shepard Fairey is a striking testament to the artist's mastery of bold imagery paired with incisive social commentary. The central figure, donning oversized goggles that mirror their environment, radiates a blend of resilience and contemplation, inviting the viewer into their story. The layered background, enriched with fragments of newsprint and evocative typography rendered in Fairey's iconic red and blue palette, weaves a narrative of unrest, defiance, and hope. Large-scale canvas works by Fairey are a rarity at auction, presenting a unique and exciting opportunity for any collector.
| Walter's Picks Walter Ramirez | Senior Consignment Director, Urban Art, New York
RETNA Untitled
Retna's use of calligraphic forms and intricate patterns has been the artist's calling, often blending influences from graffiti, typography, and global lettering traditions. His iconic paintings are characterized by fluid, stylized lines that form abstract compositions and stylized scripts. While his color palette often incorporates bold, vibrant hues, his use of a black-and-white combination is particularly striking, as seen in this prominent example. The combination usually creates a dramatic contrast that emphasizes the fluidity and rhythm of his designs. The monochrome approach brings his work a timeless, universal quality, allowing the intricate lines and forms to take center stage. Add a layer of glitter as done here, and the work pops, adding a mesmerizing sparkle.
Cleon Peterson Untitled (polyptych), 2014
Cleon Peterson is known for his striking, violent imagery that often explores power, conflict, and social unrest themes. His bold, graphic style frequently features stark, two-color compositions (usually black and white or black and red) depicting chaotic, battle-like scenes. Peterson's work addresses the darker aspects of contemporary society, including systemic inequality, racial tension, and the brutal dynamics of power. Through his politically charged visuals, he critiques the forces perpetuating social and political struggles, often illustrating oppression and violence's raw, human side. This piece serves as a reflection and critique of the power structures shaping modern life.
Sincerely,
|  | Taylor Curry Director, Modern & Contemporary Art, New York TaylorC@HA.com (212) 486-3503
|  | Walter Ramirez Senior Consignment Director, Urban Art, New York WalterR@HA.com (212) 486-3521