Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Bombshells - Brigitte Bardot (First Edition)
Summary
Bombshells - Brigitte Bardot (First Edition) is a 2019 two-color screen print by Mr. Brainwash on archival art paper, measuring 30 x 22.5 inches in an edition of 50. It forms half of the Bombshells pairing alongside Marilyn Monroe, honoring two iconic mid-century screen sirens through the artist's Pop portrait treatment.
Why It Matters
Bardot embodies a European counterpart to the Hollywood bombshell archetype, and Brainwash's two-color rendering distills her into an instantly recognizable graphic. The paired-print structure invites collectors to consider the two icons together, extending the celebrity-portrait tradition that runs through Pop art from Warhol onward.
Collector Perspective
The Bardot and Monroe prints function as a natural diptych, and many collectors pursue both to complete the pairing. At an edition of 50 with First Edition designation, the Bardot print offers a defined scarcity. Its 30 x 22.5 inch portrait orientation and two-color scheme make for a clean, graphic display.
Historical Context
Brigitte Bardot became a global emblem of 1950s and 60s cinematic glamour, and her image has long been Pop-art shorthand for European allure. Brainwash's 2019 Bombshells release places her alongside Monroe, continuing his practice of reworking canonical icons of fame through screen printing.
FAQ
Is this part of a pair?
Yes. Bombshells comprises two prints, Brigitte Bardot and Marilyn Monroe, each honoring an iconic bombshell.
How many colors and what edition?
It is a two-color screen print on archival art paper in an edition of 50.
What are the dimensions?
It measures 30 x 22.5 inches in portrait orientation.
Should I buy both Bombshells prints?
They were conceived as a pair, so many collectors acquire both, though each stands on its own.
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.