Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Aquaman (Hand-Finished)
Summary
A 2018 first-edition, hand-finished Aquaman screen print measuring 49 x 37 inches in an edition of just 12. Part of Mr. Brainwash's comic-book inspired series, its very small run and large format make it one of the scarcest superhero works in the group.
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.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
The hand-finished Aquaman was issued in an edition of just 12.
What makes it more exclusive than the other comic prints?
Its edition of 12 is far smaller than the Spider-Man (55) or Batman (45) runs, and it is hand finished.
What are the dimensions?
It measures 49 x 37 inches.
What series is it part of?
It belongs to Mr. Brainwash's comic-book inspired series.
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.