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A Buyer's Guide To Mr. Brainwash

EA
reviewed by Erin Argun,
Last updated1 Feb 2024
A painted collage on canvas featuring The Doors frontman Jim Morrison. His wild hair is created using collaged vinyl record labels, and he is set against a beige background.Image © Sotheby's / Jim Morrison © Mr. Brainwash 2009
Leah Mentzis

Leah Mentzis, Partnerships Managerleah@myartbroker.com

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Mr Brainwash

Mr Brainwash

27 works

Mr. Brainwash is a contemporary artist known for his provocative and highly-recognisable style that blends street art, pop art, and graffiti. Born in France in 1966, Thierry Guetta, also known as Mr. Brainwash began his career as a filmmaker and videographer.

”Art cannot be criticised because every mistake is a new creation.’’
Mr. Brainwash

Who is Mr. Brainwash?

Mr. Brainwash is an enigmatic figure in the art world, known for his colourful and often irreverent works that blur the line between street art and fine art. His unique style draws upon a range of influences, from the Pop Art of Andy Warhol to the street art of Banksy.

Formerly a videographer and owner of a vintage clothes store, it was in the late 1990s, during a visit to Paris, that Guetta was introduced to the street art scene and gained international recognition through his involvement in the highly-acclaimed 2010 documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop. In the film, Mr. Brainwash was featured and credited as a filmmaker and through his collaboration with the elusive street artist Banksy, Mr. Brainwash became a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene.

In the years since the release of the film, Mr. Brainwash has continued to make waves in the art world with his striking and irreverent works. His pieces often feature iconic figures and pop culture references rendered in a bold and colourful style that blurs the line between street art and fine art.

Despite the controversy surrounding his origins and motivations, there is no denying the impact that Mr. Brainwash has had on the art world.

A coloured screenprint portrait of rock legend Elvis Presley, featuring a thumb imprint as the main image with faint markings resembling a colourful map over his forehead. Grey paint drips from the top right-hand corner of the artwork and splatters upwards from the bottom left-hand corner."King of Rock and Roll © Mr. Brainwash

Mr. Brainwash’s Influence on Contemporary Art

Mr. Brainwash has had a significant impact on contemporary art, both as an artist in his own right and as a provocateur who challenges traditional notions of what art can be. His distinctive style, which blends elements of pop art, graffiti, and street art, has inspired a new generation of artists to push boundaries and embrace new forms of expression.

One of Mr. Brainwash's most significant contributions to the art world has been his role in the popularisation of street art. Through his collaborations with artists like Banksy and his own prolific output, Mr. Brainwash has helped to bring street art to a wider audience, raising its profile and legitimacy in the eyes of the art establishment.

Mr. Brainwash's work has also been influential in the realm of pop art, with his vibrant depictions of cultural icons and everyday objects drawing comparisons to the works of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. His bold use of colour and texture has also been noted for its influence on contemporary and abstract art.

Mr. Brainwash's influence on contemporary art has been both significant and far-reaching. His innovative style and willingness to push boundaries have inspired countless artists to follow in his footsteps, helping to create a more diverse and inclusive art world for all to enjoy.

Why Invest in Mr. Brainwash?

One reason a collector might consider investing in Mr. Brainwash's art is the artist's popularity and reputation. He has gained international acclaim, and his works are highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

Another factor to consider when investing in Mr. Brainwash's art is his prolific output. He produces a large number of works each year, ensuring that there is always a steady supply of works available for collectors to acquire. This can make it easier to build a diverse collection of Mr. Brainwash's work, allowing them to capitalise on his popularity and appeal.

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Tips for Building a Mr. Brainwash Print Collection

Creating a noteworthy Mr. Brainwash print collection is a captivating and multifaceted endeavour. Success hinges upon meticulous planning and collaboration with trusted advisors for portfolio management. Begin by immersing yourself in research and gaining familiarity with the artist's oeuvre to align your preferences and investment objectives.

The adept team at MyArtBroker can offer guidance, assisting in the identification of suitable pieces tailored to your collection. Safeguarding authenticity is crucial, given the surge in counterfeit works. By partnering with MyArtBroker, you gain access to our vetted network of sellers via our Trading Floor so that you can procure genuine artworks, ensuring tranquillity and safeguarding your collection's value.

Lastly, adopt a strategic approach to acquisitions, considering factors such as rarity and edition size. Leverage MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio technology to track market trends, enabling informed decisions that foster long-term appreciation in your collection's value.

A coloured screenprint of a spray can featuring a Campbell's Tomato soup label, inspired by Andy Warhol's iconic Campbell's soup can prints.Tomato Spray © Mr. Brainwash 2008

How to Determine the Value of Mr. Brainwash Prints & Editions

Assessing the value of Mr. Brainwash prints and editions is crucial for collectors building a successful art portfolio. Various factors influence their worth, such as rarity, edition size, and provenance.

Rarity significantly impacts value, with scarce prints commanding higher prices. Limited editions, particularly those with smaller edition sizes, possess greater exclusivity and, thus, a higher value. However, it is important to consider the context in which the edition was released, as some limited editions may have had a larger edition size due to the popularity of the artist.

Provenance is also an important factor when determining the value of Mr. Brainwash prints. Prints with a strong provenance, such as those acquired directly from the artist or with a reputable exhibition history, can be more valuable than those without a clear origination.

What are some of Mr. Brainwash’s’ Most Popular Prints?

A graffiti-styled artwork depicting a stencilled image of celebrity Charlie Chaplin, holding an open can of pink paint. The artwork is set against a graffiti-covered wall adorned with stencilled portraits of Madonna and a prominent pink heart outline.Charlie Chaplin Pink © Mr. Brainwash
1.

Charlie Chaplin Pink (Not Dated)

On 14 May 2010, Phillips New York witnessed the sale of Mr. Brainwash's work titled Charlie Chaplin Pink (not dated) for an astounding price of £83,080 (fees included), nearly two times its high estimate. This piece, which showcases the artist's unique ”graffiti hybrid’’ style, combines the iconic celebrity figures: Charlie Chaplin and Madonna against a backdrop inspired by street art and spray paint. Charlie Chaplin Pink is a notable example of Mr. Brainwash's signature style.

A black and white stencil depicting scientist Albert Einstein holding a picketed sign that reads 'LOVE IS THE ANSWER,' set against a graffiti-covered wall featuring collaged Campbell soup spray cans and Madonna portraits.Einstein © Mr. Brainwash
2.

Einstein (2012)

Mr. Brainwash's graffiti collages often feature iconic figures from history and pop culture, rendered in black and white stencil format against dynamic backgrounds. This specific artwork showcases Albert Einstein holding a love-promoting placard. Notably, it achieved an extraordinary price of £79,471 at Sotheby's New York in 2017. This sale attests to Mr. Brainwash's distinctive style and his knack for captivating both collectors and art enthusiasts with his imaginative creations.

A stencilled picture of Charlie Chaplin holding an open pink paint can next to a graffiti-collaged wall with Madonna portraits, a Campbell's soup spray can, and a large, prominent pink heart outlined painted over it.Chaplin-Life is Beautiful © Mr. Brainwash 2010
3.

Chaplin-Life Is Beautiful (2010)

In contrast to other street artists who may adopt a more subdued approach, Mr. Brainwash's art is overly enthusiastic, often featuring optimistic phrases such as ”life is beautiful.’’ Chaplin-Life is Beautiful (2010) is a prime example of his signature style and fetched an extraordinary sale price of £77,156 (TWD 3,120,000) at Ravenel International Art Group in Taiwan. This artwork exemplifies Mr. Brainwash's distinct brand of street art, renowned for its boldness and uplifting message. Its remarkable sale price underscores the broad appeal of this unique style.

How to Authenticate Mr. Brainwash Prints & Editions

Authenticating Mr. Brainwash prints is a straightforward process facilitated by the artist's distinctive signing practices. Each print bears the artist's signature, accompanied by a thumbprint and a distinct dollar bill number sequence, matching the corresponding certificate of authenticity. Notably, Mr. Brainwash frequently inscribes his renowned mantra, ”Life is beautiful,’’ on the back of his artworks.

A beige screenprint featuring two black and white stencilled figures of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X engaged in conversation, both smiling at the viewer. The words 'FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS' are stencilled in red at the bottom of the artwork.Follow Your Dream © Mr. Brainwash 2008

How Do You Check the Condition of Mr. Brainwash Prints?

Thoroughly assessing the condition of a Mr. Brainwash print is essential when considering its value and potential return on investment. Even minor imperfections can significantly impact the print's worth.

Common types of damage to be vigilant for include tears, scratches, stains, and colour fading. The careful examination allows collectors to make informed decisions and acquire prints that will maintain their value and remain in excellent condition over time.

To learn more about proper care and restoration of modern and contemporary prints, readers can refer to our comprehensive guide to Restoring and Caring for Modern and Contemporary Prints. Adhering to best practices in print care enables collectors to preserve the longevity and value of their Mr. Brainwash prints.

A graffiti-inspired artwork showcasing stencils of Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein side by side. Charlie Chaplin holds an open bucket of blue paint while Albert Einstein holds a picketed sign that reads 'LOVE IS THE ANSWER'. They both stand against a graffiti-covered wall adorned with collaged stencils and a prominently filled-in blue heart.Juxtapose © Mr. Brainwash

Where Can I Buy a Mr. Brainwash Print in 2023?

When contemplating the acquisition of a Mr. Brainwash print, it is prudent to explore established commercial galleries that specialise in showcasing his work. This ensures the art's authenticity can be reliably verified, underscoring the importance of purchasing from reputable galleries that maintain official connections to the artist or his representatives.

While primary market galleries offer a dependable avenue for obtaining new Mr. Brainwash prints, collectors may also find opportunities in the secondary market. Historically, the secondary resale values for Mr. Brainwash prints have remained relatively affordable compared to those of other street artists. This provides collectors with the potential to acquire works at prices below their original retail value, presenting an intriguing prospect for savvy buyers.

A screenprinted artwork featuring the celebrity Marilyn Monroe, inspired by Andy Warhol's iconic image. Marilyn Monroe is portrayed in shades of red and pink against a white background.Diamond Girl Red © Mr. Brainwash 2016

Why Use MyArtBroker to Find Your First Mr Brainwash?

When embarking on your journey to acquire your first Mr. Brainwash print, engaging the services of a specialised broker like MyArtBroker offers numerous advantages. Our specialists possess extensive knowledge and expertise in the art market, enabling them to assist you in selecting and purchasing a print that aligns with your criteria and budget.

At MyArtBroker, our extensive network comprises collectors, private individuals, and institutions, granting us a competitive edge in finding the ideal Mr. Brainwash print at the right price. Through our secure and efficient Trading Floor platform, we facilitate seamless connections between buyers and sellers, streamlining the search for your perfect print.

When collecting Mr. Brainwash prints through MyArtBroker, you can have complete confidence in the authenticity and condition of the artworks. We collaborate with trusted experts to authenticate prints and ensure they are in optimal condition before being made available for sale. Our specialists can also provide valuable advice on storage and maintenance, safeguarding the long-term value of your print.

Recognising that each collector has unique preferences and requirements, our dedicated team offers personalised service tailored to your specific needs. At MyArtBroker, we are committed to assisting you in finding the perfect piece at the desired price, delivering a seamless and enjoyable experience as you acquire your first Mr. Brainwash print.

Leah Mentzis

Leah Mentzis, Partnerships Managerleah@myartbroker.com

Interested in buying or selling
Mr Brainwash?

Browse artworks
Mr Brainwash

Mr Brainwash

27 works