Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Balloon Heart (Red)
Summary
Balloon Heart (Red) is a polished bronze sculpture with a metallic red finish, dated 2019 and issued in an edition of 8. The heart form stands roughly 10 inches on a marble base of 16 x 10 x 1 inches and is signed, translating Mr. Brainwash's balloon motif into a permanent three-dimensional object.
Why It Matters
Moving the balloon heart from paper into cast bronze marks a significant step up in production and permanence. At an edition of just 8, it is among the scarcest works in this group, and its sculptural presence and marble mount position it as a centerpiece rather than a wall piece.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 8 places this firmly in the rare tier. As a signed bronze on a marble base, condition of both the metallic finish and the stone mount matters, along with the signature. Sculptures at this edition size are inherently more contained than the artist's paper editions and demand careful handling.
Historical Context
Executed in 2019, Balloon Heart belongs to Mr. Brainwash's love-and-hope iconography rendered in a durable medium. The heart motif recurs throughout his practice; casting it in polished bronze aligns him with the tradition of pop artists translating signature images into limited sculpture.
FAQ
What is the medium?
It is a polished bronze sculpture with a metallic finish, mounted on a marble base.
What is the edition size?
Balloon Heart (Red) was produced in an edition of 8.
What are the dimensions?
The sculpture stands about 10 inches on a marble base measuring 16 x 10 x 1 inches.
Is it signed?
Yes, the edition is signed by the artist.
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.