Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Dear Mom Composition
Summary
The companion release in the 2021 'Dear Mom' series, this five-color screenprint on archival paper measures 26 x 22 inches in an edition of 75 with 7 APs. It draws on the marbled black-and-white look of a composition notebook, pairing that familiar schoolroom object with an affectionate message and Mr Brainwash's layered pop treatment.
Why It Matters
Together with the College Ruled variant, this print forms a two-part meditation on the notebook as a vessel for heartfelt writing. The composition-cover motif is instantly recognizable, and the five-screen build delivers strong color. At 75 impressions the edition remains genuinely limited within Mr Brainwash's broader catalog.
Collector Perspective
Collectors chasing thematic completeness often acquire both notebook variants, and the composition cover is the more graphically bold of the pair. As with all hand-torn paper releases, edge condition and clean margins drive value. The small AP run of 7 is the scarcer subset for those prioritizing lowest available numbering.
Historical Context
The 'Dear Mom' series arrived during a productive 2021 stretch in which Mr Brainwash mined everyday sentiment for source material. Grounding the emotional message in a schoolroom object reflects his habit of remixing familiar cultural artifacts, a strategy he shares with the broader street-art-to-gallery lineage he emerged from after 'Exit Through the Gift Shop'.
FAQ
Is this the same as the College Ruled print?
It is a companion variant with identical size and edition, but references a composition notebook cover rather than ruled paper.
What is the edition size?
An edition of 75 with an additional AP edition of 7.
What paper and finish?
Archival paper with hand-torn edges.
How many screens were used?
Five colors, giving the print notable layering and depth.
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.