Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Banana Split (White)
Summary
Banana Split (White) is a 2015 screen print on hand-torn archival art paper combining two and three-color printing with hand-finished spray-painted stencil and acrylic, issued in an edition of 70 at 24 by 49 inches. Each large horizontal sheet is signed and numbered.
Why It Matters
The banana motif carries deep Pop Art lineage, from Warhol's Velvet Underground cover onward, and MBW reworks it here with hand-applied stencil and paint. The unusually wide 24 x 49-inch format and mixed print-plus-handwork process give each impression a distinctive, panoramic presence.
Collector Perspective
Hand-finishing means each sheet in the edition of 70 is unique; the Grey background is noted as a distinct variant from the White. Collectors should confirm the White version, document the individual stencil and paint application, and verify the wide 24 x 49-inch format alongside signature and numbering.
Historical Context
The banana is one of Pop Art's most enduring images, and Mr. Brainwash's Banana Split editions plug directly into that heritage. The combination of screen printing with spray-stencil and acrylic reflects his signature blend of studio printmaking and street-art technique.
FAQ
Is each print unique?
Yes, each is hand finished with spray-painted stencil and acrylic paint over the printed base.
How does the White differ from the Grey?
The White and Grey background versions are distinct variants of the image.
What is the edition size?
Banana Split (White) was issued in an edition of 70.
What are the dimensions?
The sheet measures 24 by 49 inches, an unusually wide horizontal format.
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.