Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Best Actor, Winner 2020 (First Edition)
Summary
Best Actor, Winner 2020 is a five-color screen print on archival paper from 2020, sized 30 x 25 inches in an edition of 75. Released for Presidents' Day, it reimagines George Washington through a pop-culture lens, casting the founding icon as an awards-season 'Best Actor.'
Why It Matters
The print exemplifies Mr. Brainwash's signature collision of American iconography with celebrity culture, treating a founding father as a Hollywood honoree. It is one of a two-print Washington release, and the satirical framing gives it more conceptual bite than his purely affirmational editions.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 75 in a five-color build offers solid production value at a mid-collectible tier. Collectors may find added appeal in acquiring it alongside its companion Washington print. Confirm the pencil signature and numbering, and note the archival-paper substrate.
Historical Context
Issued for Presidents' Day 2020, this work honors George Washington 'with a twist of pop culture,' paired with a second Washington edition. It reflects Mr. Brainwash's recurring strategy of remixing historical American figures through the vocabulary of contemporary fame.
FAQ
Who is depicted?
The print depicts George Washington, reframed with a pop-culture 'Best Actor' twist for Presidents' Day.
What is the edition size?
It is a five-color screen print in an edition of 75.
Is there a companion print?
Yes, it was released alongside a second George Washington edition for the same Presidents' Day occasion.
What are the dimensions?
The print measures 30 x 25 inches on archival paper.
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.