Gauntlet Gallery — Mr Brainwash Print & Edition Index
Aquaman (Hand-Finished)
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Aquaman (Hand-Finished) is documented in this catalog as a 2018 Screen Print | Hand Finished. The saved release record lists dimensions of 49 x 37 inches. The saved record attributes the release to Mr Brainwash (Self Released). The cataloged edition information is 12.
Collector notes: Legacy catalog fields: First Edition; stated size 12. Edition-specific signature, numbering, thumbprint, and certificate details were not stated in the saved release record.
Why It Matters
The hand-finished treatment combined with an edition of only 12 makes this among the most exclusive comic-hero releases the artist produced. Arriving in 2018 as the character surged in mainstream awareness, the large-scale Aquaman connects Mr. Brainwash's appropriation practice to a wave of superhero-driven popular culture.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 12 places this at the top of the scarcity ladder within the group, and the hand finishing means each impression is unique. At 49 x 37 inches it is a genuine statement work. For collectors pursuing the comic series alongside Spider-Man and Batman, this is the hardest and most coveted of the trio to secure.
Historical Context
Aquaman debuted in DC Comics in 1941 and reached new prominence with the 2018 feature film. Mr. Brainwash's comic series capitalizes on that cyclical resurgence of superhero IP, applying pop-art appropriation to characters at the moment their cultural visibility peaks.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Hand-finished editioned print
- Release date
- 2018-12-21
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release date from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Series
- Comics & Superheroes
- Medium and materials
- Screen Print | Hand Finished; catalog dimensions 49 x 37 inches.
- Edition details
- Legacy catalog fields: First Edition; stated size 12.
- Signature and marks
- Edition-specific signature, numbering, thumbprint, and certificate details were not stated in the saved release record.
Documented History and Meaning
History note: The studio dates Mr Brainwash's first Life Is Beautiful solo exhibition to 18 June 2008; this page treats that as career context, not proof that the present edition appeared in that exhibition.
Meaning / interpretation: The studio describes the practice as combining street-art energy, pop-culture imagery and positive messaging. Subject-specific intent or endorsement is not assumed unless a release or collaboration source states it. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2018-12-21 and attributes the edition to Mr Brainwash (Self Released).
Authentication, Presentation and Provenance
- Original presentation
- Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.
- Authentication note
- No certificate is stated in the saved release description. For an individual copy, compare the support, dimensions, edition number, signature, thumbprint and any studio or gallery paperwork. The studio says it cannot guarantee works bought from external vendors.
- Provenance note
- Edition origin is attributed in the legacy record to Mr Brainwash (Self Released). That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence and condition photographs.
Related Artists and Exhibitions
- Life Is Beautiful — first solo exhibition — CBS Columbia Square, Hollywood · 18 June 2008 · Artist-career context; the source does not establish that this later edition was exhibited
Videos
- Official video archive — ARTE and Los Angeles Times features — Mr Brainwash studio · Artist process and exhibition context; not release-specific
Sources and Verification
Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; official studio policy and career context added
- Saved release record — Art Collectorz · secondary catalog snapshot · Accessed 2026-07-12 · Starting record for title, date, edition, dimensions, medium, release price and release description. Public access was unavailable during this audit, so primary confirmation remains pending.
- Studio FAQ — certificates and web orders — Mr Brainwash studio · primary artist policy · Accessed 2026-07-12 · The studio says it issues COAs only for works after January 2021 and will not backdate earlier works.
- Collector authentication disclaimer — Mr Brainwash studio · primary artist policy · Accessed 2026-07-12 · The studio does not guarantee externally purchased works and directs collectors to the relevant reseller or gallery.
- About Mr Brainwash — Mr Brainwash studio · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-12 · Studio biography and artist-level context; it is not an individual-edition record.
- Life Is Beautiful — first solo exhibition — Mr Brainwash studio · primary artist archive · Accessed 2026-07-12 · Studio history of the 18 June 2008 debut exhibition, which included prints among several media.
FAQ
What is the documented edition structure?
Legacy catalog fields: First Edition; stated size 12.
Which signature or authentication features are documented?
Edition-specific signature, numbering, thumbprint, and certificate details were not stated in the saved release record. No certificate is stated in the saved release description. For an individual copy, compare the support, dimensions, edition number, signature, thumbprint and any studio or gallery paperwork. The studio says it cannot guarantee works bought from external vendors.
Is original packaging documented?
Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.
How certain are the release details?
The date, edition, dimensions, medium and original-release description come from a saved secondary catalog record. Official studio sources on this page support artist-level context and current authentication policy, but not every release-level field.
