Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Happy B-Day Madonna (Pink)
Summary
Happy B-Day Madonna (Pink) is a 2017 one-color screen print measuring 22.5 x 22.5 inches, released by Mr. Brainwash to mark Madonna's birthday. Part of a small set of color variations built around his classic Madonna image—originally tied to her celebration album—it renders the pop star in a compact square format in a pink colorway.
Why It Matters
Occasion-driven releases like this birthday set connect MBW's practice to real-time celebrity culture, echoing the commemorative spirit of Warhol's celebrity portraits. The Madonna image is a recurring motif in his catalog, and this dated, event-specific edition gives the piece a clear narrative hook for collectors of music and pop-culture works.
Collector Perspective
The square 22.5-inch sheet frames easily and suits collectors focused on music iconography. As one of a set of colorways, the pink variant can be sought individually or paired with its siblings. Confirm signature and numbering; the small format and celebratory theme make it an approachable MBW entry point.
Historical Context
Mr. Brainwash's Madonna imagery ties back to work associated with the singer's celebration album era, and 2017 saw this birthday tribute set released. The commemorative model—marking a celebrity milestone with a limited print—reflects the pop-art tradition of celebrity worship that runs from Warhol through MBW.
FAQ
Why was this print released?
It was made to celebrate Madonna's birthday, part of a set of color variations on MBW's classic Madonna image.
What are the dimensions?
It measures 22.5 x 22.5 inches, a compact square format.
Are there other colorways?
Yes, the birthday set consists of several color variations of the same Madonna image.
What is the connection to her album?
The image derives from Mr. Brainwash's Madonna artwork associated with her celebration album.
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.