Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Heart & Soul (Paper)
Summary
Heart & Soul is a 2020 silkscreen on paper measuring 30 x 22 inches, released in an edition of 85. Each impression is signed, numbered, and thumb-printed, combining Mr. Brainwash's emotive titling with the personal verification marks he favors across his print program.
Why It Matters
The title pairs two of the artist's core themes, love and authenticity, in a phrase that doubles as a statement of intent. The added thumbprint turns each of the 85 into a physically signed artifact, underscoring the human touch behind an otherwise reproducible medium.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 85 with signature, numbering, and thumbprint offers a well-documented, mid-tier entry point. Collectors should confirm all three marks are present and consistent. The paper version is distinct from any canvas treatment, so verify the substrate matches the intended acquisition.
Historical Context
Released in 2020, Heart & Soul aligns with Mr. Brainwash's emotionally direct, love-driven output of that year. The thumbprint practice ties back to his broader authentication ritual, a hallmark that has become part of the collecting language around his editions.
FAQ
What authentication marks does it carry?
Each impression is signed, numbered, and thumb-printed by the artist.
What is the edition size?
Heart & Soul was released in an edition of 85.
What are the dimensions?
The paper version measures 30 x 22 inches (76.2 x 55.9 cm).
Is this the paper or canvas version?
This entry refers to the silkscreen-on-paper edition; confirm the substrate before purchase.
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.