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Part 5: Retna on Destroying His Own Paintings at Art Basel
Part 3: Retna on How He Blew Up in the Art World
Part 1: Retna on Learning to Paint, How He Got His Name, Transitioning from Graffiti to Fine Art
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Renowned street artist Retna reveals his journey as a cultural icon and favorite among celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Justin Bieber. In a candid interview, Retna discusses creating the striking cover art for Justin Bieber's 2015 *Purpose* album, a connection initially fostered through Usher, one of his earliest collectors. While Retna is unsure if Bieber personally owns any of his pieces, he acknowledges the close ties with several stars, including a host of works owned by Kylie Jenner and her family. Notably, Retna crafted a special black-on-black painting for Corey Gamble and Kris Jenner’s proposal, highlighting their support for his art. Beyond celebrity circles, Retna’s large-scale work includes painting an entire US Marines plane at Arizona’s Boneyard, now displayed alongside President Kennedy’s Air Force One at the Pima Air Museum. Despite challenges, including brushes with the law, Retna’s distinct calligraphic style continues to captivate audiences worldwide, cementing his influence across music, art, and pop culture.
