Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Absolute Ali (Green)
Summary
Absolute Ali (Green) is a 2017 one-color screen print hand-finished with paint on hand-torn archival paper, editioned to 25. Measuring 35.5 x 48.5 inches, it renders Muhammad Ali in a green-keyed variant within Mr. Brainwash's broader Ali suite, where the single printed layer is completed by hand so each impression carries its own painterly character.
Why It Matters
An edition of 25 makes Absolute Ali one of the scarcest tiers in the Ali series. The hand-finished process guarantees individuality, and the green colorway distinguishes it from the pink, red, and silver variants MBW issued alongside it. For collectors, the low edition plus unique hand-work is a compelling combination.
Collector Perspective
With just 25 impressions, sourcing a clean example takes patience. Assess the hand-applied paint and confirm signature, numbering, and reverse thumbprint. The green variant offers a distinct display alternative to the more common warm colorways, which can matter to collectors curating a set of Ali variants.
Historical Context
Part of Mr. Brainwash's 2017 Ali program honoring the boxer who died in 2016, this variant sits within a family of same-format prints differentiated by color. The suite reflects the artist's long-running practice of memorializing cultural icons through pop appropriation and hand embellishment.
FAQ
How rare is Absolute Ali (Green)?
It is limited to 25 impressions, one of the smallest editions in the Ali suite.
Is the green version different from other Ali prints?
Yes, the colorway distinguishes it from the pink, red, and silver variants issued alongside it.
Is each print hand-worked?
Yes, it is a one-color screen print individually hand-finished with paint.
What marks confirm authenticity?
Signature, hand-numbering, and a thumbprint on the reverse.
About the Artist
Mr. Brainwash is the pseudonym of Thierry Guetta, a French-born, Los Angeles-based street artist who rose to prominence through Banksy's 2010 documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop. Originally a videographer who filmed street artists including Shepard Fairey and Banksy, Guetta reinvented himself as an artist, staging his ambitious 2008 debut show "Life Is Beautiful" in Los Angeles. His work draws heavily on pop-art appropriation, remixing icons such as Warhol, Einstein, Charlie Chaplin, and spray-paint splatters. He has produced album art and large-scale exhibitions across the U.S. and Europe.
Collecting Mr Brainwash at Gauntlet Gallery
What Mr. Brainwash prints should I buy first?
Start with hand-finished screenprints and stencil works from his named exhibitions, where each impression is signed, numbered, and often uniquely embellished with spray-paint or stamps. Smaller editions and show-related pieces from "Life Is Beautiful" and later gallery runs are the most recognizable entry points. At Gauntlet Gallery we prioritize pieces with clean condition and complete signing.
How is authenticity documented?
Gauntlet Gallery sells Mr. Brainwash works with documented studio provenance and the artist's own signature, numbering, and thumbprint or stamp where present. We photograph the exact piece you receive, including signature and edition details, so what you verify is what ships.
What drives value?
Value is driven by edition size, whether the piece is hand-embellished versus a flat print, subject popularity, condition, and provenance tied to a documented exhibition. Signed, low-numbered, and uniquely finished impressions command the strongest premiums.