Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Hollymoon (First Edition)
Summary
Hollymoon (First Edition) is a 2019 screen print by Mr. Brainwash measuring 42 x 33.5 inches in an edition of 50. Marking the 50th anniversary of the 1969 moon landing, it depicts an Apollo 11 scene, with this First Edition tied to a diamond-dust treatment that adds reflective sparkle to the surface.
Why It Matters
Diamond dust, famously used by Warhol, lends the surface a shimmering, luxe quality that pairs fittingly with the celestial subject. Commemorating a landmark anniversary of one of history's defining moments gives Hollymoon a specific cultural resonance beyond pure decoration.
Collector Perspective
The diamond-dust finish sets this First Edition apart visually, catching light in a way flat prints cannot. At 42 x 33.5 inches it is a substantial sheet, and the edition of 50 defines its scarcity. Collectors drawn to space history or to Warholian surface techniques find a distinctive object here.
Historical Context
The Apollo 11 landing on July 20, 1969, remains a defining moment of the twentieth century, and 2019 marked its 50th anniversary, the occasion for this release. The diamond-dust technique carries a direct lineage to Warhol, situating the work within a recognizable Pop-art surface tradition.
FAQ
What does Hollymoon commemorate?
It marks the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing, depicted in a Hollymoon scene.
What is diamond dust?
A reflective crystalline finish applied to the surface, famously associated with Andy Warhol, giving the print sparkle.
What is the size and edition?
It measures 42 x 33.5 inches in an edition of 50.
Why is the anniversary significant?
The moon landing is a defining historical event, and its 50th anniversary in 2019 prompted this commemorative release.
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.