Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
American Hero
Summary
Released in 2019 to honor Muhammad Ali on what would have been his 77th birthday, American Hero shows the boxing legend embraced by the American flag in the ring. This screen print measures 50 x 38 inches in an edition of 77, the number deliberately echoing Ali's birthday milestone.
Why It Matters
The edition of 77 is a pointed tribute, tying the run size directly to Ali's would-be 77th birthday. Depicting one of the 20th century's most consequential athletes and cultural figures wrapped in the flag, the print operates as both sports homage and a statement on American identity and legacy.
Collector Perspective
The deliberate edition of 77 gives the print a built-in narrative that collectors appreciate, and the diamond-dust element adds surface sparkle prized in MBW's more decorative works. Ali's cross-generational fame gives American Hero appeal to sports and cultural collectors alike, not just dedicated street-art followers.
Historical Context
Muhammad Ali, who died in 2016, transcended boxing to become a global symbol of conviction and social conscience. Artists from Andy Warhol onward have rendered his image. Mr. Brainwash's flag-embrace composition places Ali within the pantheon of American icons his practice repeatedly celebrates.
FAQ
Why is the edition size 77?
The edition of 77 honors Muhammad Ali on what would have been his 77th birthday.
What is depicted?
Ali is shown embraced by the American flag in the boxing ring.
What are the dimensions?
The screen print measures 50 x 38 inches.
Does it include diamond dust?
Yes, the title and description indicate a diamond-dust treatment.
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.