Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Art Is Not A Crime (Hard Candy) (Red)
Summary
Art Is Not A Crime (Hard Candy) is a 2021 sculpture edition by Mr Brainwash: a set of five chrome-painted resin pieces in the red variant, issued in an edition of 95 with 10 artist proofs. Each measures roughly 6.5 x 7.25 x 2 inches. Pieces were offered individually or as a complete five-piece set, translating the artist's slogan into a collectible three-dimensional object.
Why It Matters
As a chrome-finished resin sculpture, Hard Candy marks a departure from Mr Brainwash's paper editions into three-dimensional collectibles. The 'Art Is Not A Crime' slogan directly invokes street art's contested legal status, and the set-of-five structure creates both single-object and complete-set collecting paths.
Collector Perspective
The edition of 95 plus 10 AP applies to the sculpture format, with a clear pricing tier for single pieces, AP singles, and the complete five-piece set. The chrome-painted resin finish is display-forward but shows handling and scratches easily, so condition and careful storage are important. Complete sets carry a premium over individual sculptures.
Historical Context
'Art Is Not A Crime' engages directly with the legal ambiguity that has long surrounded graffiti and street art, a theme central to the movement Mr Brainwash emerged from. Rendering the slogan as a chrome sculpture in 2021 extends his practice into object-making while retaining his message-driven, street-rooted identity.
FAQ
Is this a print or a sculpture?
It is a sculpture edition, a set of five chrome-painted resin pieces, not a paper print.
How was it sold?
Pieces were available individually, as AP singles, or as a complete five-piece set.
What is the edition size?
An edition of 95 plus 10 artist proofs.
How should it be cared for?
The chrome-painted resin finish shows scratches and handling marks, so careful display and storage are recommended.
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.