Gauntlet Gallery — Mr Brainwash Print & Edition Index
Bombshells - Marilyn Monroe (First Edition)
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Bombshells - Marilyn Monroe (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 pairs with the Brigitte Bardot print in the Bombshells release, translating one of the most reproduced faces in Pop history into the artist's graphic idiom.
Collector notes: Edition of 50 plus a separately stated artist's-proof edition of 5. The saved release record describes: signed; numbered; artist thumbprint on the reverse. Verify each feature on the physical copy.
Why It Matters
Monroe is arguably the definitive Pop-art muse, indelibly linked to Warhol's silkscreens. Brainwash's two-color treatment engages that lineage directly, both honoring and riffing on the tradition of the Monroe portrait. Her presence anchors the Bombshells pairing with the most recognizable icon of the two.
Collector Perspective
Monroe's enduring appeal often makes this the more sought half of the Bombshells pair, though the two were designed to complement each other. The edition of 50 and First Edition status define its scarcity, and the two-color, portrait-format sheet delivers strong graphic presence in display.
Historical Context
Marilyn Monroe's image has been central to Pop art since Warhol's 1962 silkscreens, making her a loaded subject for any artist working in the idiom. Brainwash's 2019 Bombshells release knowingly steps into that history, pairing Monroe with Bardot as twin emblems of mid-century stardom.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned screenprint
- Release date
- 2019-11-22
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release date from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Series
- Music, Film & Portrait Icons
- Medium and materials
- Screen Print; catalog dimensions 30 x 22.5 inches; two-color screenprint; archival art paper.
- Edition details
- Edition of 50 plus a separately stated artist's-proof edition of 5.
- Signature and marks
- The saved release record describes: signed; numbered; artist thumbprint on the reverse. Verify each feature on the physical copy.
Documented History and Meaning
History note: The studio dates Mr Brainwash's first Life Is Beautiful solo exhibition to 18 June 2008; this page treats that as career context, not proof that the present edition appeared in that exhibition.
Meaning / interpretation: The studio describes the practice as combining street-art energy, pop-culture imagery and positive messaging. Subject-specific intent or endorsement is not assumed unless a release or collaboration source states it. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2019-11-22 and attributes the edition to Mr Brainwash (Self Released).
Authentication, Presentation and Provenance
- Original presentation
- Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.
- Authentication note
- No certificate is stated in the saved release description. For an individual copy, compare the support, dimensions, edition number, signature, thumbprint and any studio or gallery paperwork. The studio says it cannot guarantee works bought from external vendors.
- Provenance note
- Edition origin is attributed in the legacy record to Mr Brainwash (Self Released). That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence and condition photographs.
Related Artists and Exhibitions
- Life Is Beautiful — first solo exhibition — CBS Columbia Square, Hollywood · 18 June 2008 · Artist-career context; the source does not establish that this later edition was exhibited
Videos
- Official video archive — ARTE and Los Angeles Times features — Mr Brainwash studio · Artist process and exhibition context; not release-specific
Sources and Verification
Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; official studio policy and career context added
- Saved release record — Art Collectorz · secondary catalog snapshot · Accessed 2026-07-12 · Starting record for title, date, edition, dimensions, medium, release price and release description. Public access was unavailable during this audit, so primary confirmation remains pending.
- Studio FAQ — certificates and web orders — Mr Brainwash studio · primary artist policy · Accessed 2026-07-12 · The studio says it issues COAs only for works after January 2021 and will not backdate earlier works.
- Collector authentication disclaimer — Mr Brainwash studio · primary artist policy · Accessed 2026-07-12 · The studio does not guarantee externally purchased works and directs collectors to the relevant reseller or gallery.
- About Mr Brainwash — Mr Brainwash studio · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-12 · Studio biography and artist-level context; it is not an individual-edition record.
- Life Is Beautiful — first solo exhibition — Mr Brainwash studio · primary artist archive · Accessed 2026-07-12 · Studio history of the 18 June 2008 debut exhibition, which included prints among several media.
FAQ
What is the documented edition structure?
Edition of 50 plus a separately stated artist's-proof edition of 5.
Which signature or authentication features are documented?
The saved release record describes: signed; numbered; artist thumbprint on the reverse. Verify each feature on the physical copy. No certificate is stated in the saved release description. For an individual copy, compare the support, dimensions, edition number, signature, thumbprint and any studio or gallery paperwork. The studio says it cannot guarantee works bought from external vendors.
Is original packaging documented?
Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.
How certain are the release details?
The date, edition, dimensions, medium and original-release description come from a saved secondary catalog record. Official studio sources on this page support artist-level context and current authentication policy, but not every release-level field.
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