The Heal The Bay installation at 825 Berkeley Street in Santa Monica was created by RETNA in 2011-2012 in collaboration with artist Risk. The project transformed a private residence into a living work of art — more than 135 wooden panels were painted by Risk with colorful ocean-inspired gradients, and RETNA added his signature calligraphy across the entire facade. The house became a landmark of Santa Monica street art, visible from the street with its distinctive blue, teal, and purple panels overlaid with RETNA's white hieroglyphic-style script. The project was organized in conjunction with the Heal the Bay charity, an environmental group working to keep Santa Monica Bay clean.
This installation in Santa Monica serves as an example of how street art can transform private architecture into part of the cultural landscape. RETNA's calligraphic messages in this work are dedicated to the theme of journey and the search for truth, which resonates with the atmosphere of the coastal city. For many years, the Berkeley Street house has remained a landmark for local residents and a mandatory stop for street art tours in Los Angeles. The Heal The Bay project demonstrated RETNA's mastery in working with large-scale panel installations and his ability to create rhythmic compositions that capture the eye. The site continues to be an important part of Santa Monica's artistic heritage.
