Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Hold On To My He(ART)
Summary
"Hold On To My He(ART)" is a 2018 five-color screen print on hand-torn archival art paper, released as a special Valentine's Day edition at 31.5 x 22 inches. Each print is signed and numbered and carries Mr. Brainwash's thumbprint on the reverse.
Why It Matters
The title's wordplay, folding "art" into "heart," is quintessential Mr. Brainwash, wrapping a love message in a pun about art itself. As a dedicated Valentine's Day edition, it belongs to the holiday-driven strand of his catalog and reinforces the love-and-hope themes that define much of his output.
Collector Perspective
Holiday editions like this hold seasonal appeal and fit the artist's most recognizable message vocabulary. The five-color build gives it more chromatic depth than his simplest prints. Collectors should verify the signature, numbering, verso thumbprint, and hand-torn edges, all standard markers of the artist's editions.
Historical Context
Valentine's Day and love imagery have been recurring occasions across Mr. Brainwash's editioned work. The heart motif and affirmational wordplay connect this print to a broader tradition of populist, sentiment-forward street art that trades in immediately legible emotional messaging.
FAQ
What occasion is this print for?
It is a special Valentine's Day edition released in 2018.
How many colors are used?
It is a five-color screen print on hand-torn archival art paper.
Is it signed?
Yes, each print is signed and numbered, with a thumbprint on the back.
What are the dimensions?
The print measures 31.5 x 22 inches.
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.