Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Bowie (Second Edition)
Summary
Bowie (Second Edition), 2016, is a Mr. Brainwash tribute to David Bowie measuring 22.5 x 22.5 inches in an edition of 169. Issued in honour of the musician's legacy, the Second Edition designation marks it as a follow-up release within the artist's Bowie output following the icon's January 2016 death.
Why It Matters
David Bowie's death in January 2016 prompted widespread artistic tribute, and Mr. Brainwash's Bowie prints belong to that cultural moment. The Second Edition status indicates sustained demand for the subject, and the framing of Bowie as an artist who transcended music aligns with the artist's focus on culture-shaping icons.
Collector Perspective
As a Second Edition, this is a later release than the original Bowie print; collectors should confirm which edition they are acquiring and note the edition of 169. The square 22.5-inch format suits music-icon groupings. Verify signature and numbering, and clarify the specific edition and any substrate details before purchase.
Historical Context
Bowie's passing early in 2016 made him one of the most memorialised figures of that year across the art world. Mr. Brainwash, whose practice centres on music and cultural icons, issued multiple Bowie treatments, of which this is a subsequent edition honouring the musician's enduring influence.
FAQ
Who is the subject?
It is a tribute to David Bowie, honouring his influence across music and pop culture.
What does 'Second Edition' mean?
It designates a follow-up release within Mr. Brainwash's Bowie output, distinct from the original edition.
How many were made?
This edition is 169, at 22.5 x 22.5 inches.
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.