Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Grand Ali (Pink)
Summary
Grand Ali (Pink) is a 2017 one-color screen print, hand-finished with paint on hand-torn archival paper in an edition of 30. At 35.5 x 48.5 inches, it presents Muhammad Ali through Mr. Brainwash's expressive hand-worked treatment, where a single printed layer becomes the ground for individually applied color, making each impression subtly unique.
Why It Matters
The hand-finishing means no two impressions are identical, elevating this above a straight screen print. The tight edition of 30 places it among MBW's scarcer Ali works. As a tribute to one of the twentieth century's most photographed and admired figures, Grand Ali connects the artist's pop practice to a subject with deep cultural resonance.
Collector Perspective
Because each sheet is hand-painted, buyers should evaluate the individual impression's color application, not just the reference image. Verify signature, numbering, and the reverse thumbprint. With only 30 examples, availability is limited; condition of the applied paint layer and the large 35.5 x 48.5 sheet edges are key inspection points.
Historical Context
Muhammad Ali died in 2016, and 2017 saw sustained tribute across visual culture. Mr. Brainwash produced a substantial Ali suite that year in multiple titles and colorways, of which Grand Ali is one variant. The subject fits his recurring habit of celebrating twentieth-century icons of music, sport, and public life.
FAQ
Why is each Grand Ali print unique?
It is a one-color screen print hand-finished with paint, so the applied color varies from impression to impression.
How small is the edition?
It is limited to 30, among the scarcer Ali releases from 2017.
What are the dimensions?
Each sheet is 35.5 x 48.5 inches on hand-torn archival paper.
How can I confirm it is genuine?
Look for the signature, hand-numbering, and thumbprint on the back.
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.