Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Happy Birthday Champ
Summary
Happy Birthday Champ is a 2020 limited-edition print on paper measuring 32 x 44 inches, released in an edition of 78 with an AP edition of 7. Made for Muhammad Ali's 78th birthday, it captures the boxer mid-action in the ring, celebrating him at the height of his craft.
Why It Matters
Tying the edition size of 78 directly to Ali's 78th birthday is a characteristic Mr. Brainwash flourish that fuses concept and scarcity. The dynamic in-ring composition and large 32 x 44 format make it one of the more energetic celebrity tributes in this group.
Collector Perspective
The birthday-linked edition of 78 gives the run a built-in narrative, and this artist-proof example comes from the scarcer AP tier of 7. Collectors should verify the pencil signature and 'AP' designation. The large horizontal format is a strong display piece for sports and pop-culture collections.
Historical Context
Released in 2020 to honor Muhammad Ali's 78th birthday, this print continues Mr. Brainwash's tradition of celebrity homages timed to milestone anniversaries. Ali's cultural stature as athlete and icon makes him a natural subject for the artist's populist, hero-celebrating vocabulary.
FAQ
Who is depicted?
The print portrays Muhammad Ali, made in honor of his 78th birthday.
Why is the edition 78?
The edition size of 78 corresponds to Ali's 78th birthday; an AP edition of 7 accompanies it.
Is this an artist proof?
This example is from the AP edition of 7, the scarcer tier of the release.
What are the dimensions?
The print measures 32 x 44 inches on paper.
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.