Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Bombshells - Marilyn Monroe (First Edition)
Summary
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.
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.
FAQ
How does this relate to Warhol?
Monroe is the defining Pop-art muse via Warhol's silkscreens, and Brainwash's treatment engages that well-known lineage.
Is it part of a set?
Yes, it pairs with the Brigitte Bardot print in the two-print Bombshells release.
What is the edition and format?
A two-color screen print on archival art paper, edition of 50, measuring 30 x 22.5 inches.
Which Bombshell is more collectible?
Monroe's broader recognition often draws more demand, but the pair was designed to be shown together.
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.