Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Fragile Heart
Summary
"Fragile Heart" is a 2013 fine bone china plate by Mr. Brainwash, produced with British ceramic manufacturer 1882 Ltd. and issued as a first edition of 250. The ten-inch plate carries the artist's heart motif onto porcelain, translating a recurring theme of love and tenderness from his prints into a collectible functional object.
Why It Matters
The heart is one of Brainwash's signature symbols, and rendering it on fine china gives the motif a permanence and refinement the paper editions lack. As the companion to "Creation," it shows the artist working in matched pairs, extending his imagery into the collectible-design arena through a partnership with an established British maker.
Collector Perspective
With 250 pieces, "Fragile Heart" offers an approachable entry into Brainwash's ceramic output while carrying his most romantic, gift-friendly imagery. As with any porcelain edition, condition governs value: watch for chips, hairlines, and crazing. The plate's completist appeal grows when displayed or held alongside its counterpart, "Creation," from the same release.
Historical Context
Released amid Brainwash's post-"Exit Through the Gift Shop" ascent, "Fragile Heart" belongs to the 2013 wave of artist-designed bone china that fused pop and street sensibilities with British ceramic craft. The heart theme connects it to a broader lineage in his practice, where love and hope recur as accessible, emotionally direct subject matter.
FAQ
What imagery does "Fragile Heart" feature?
It centers on Mr. Brainwash's heart motif, a recurring theme across his work tied to love and hope, rendered on a ten-inch fine bone china plate.
Who manufactured the plate?
It was produced by 1882 Ltd., a British ceramic manufacturer, in collaboration with Mr. Brainwash, and released as a first edition of 250 in 2013.
Is "Fragile Heart" part of a set?
It was introduced together with "Creation" as a companion pair from the same collaboration. Collectors often seek both plates together.
How should a ceramic plate like this be cared for?
Handle and store it as a collectible object rather than everyday tableware. Keep it away from impact and abrasion, and retain original packaging and documentation to protect its condition and collectibility.
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.