Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
King James
Summary
King James is a 2021 silkscreen edition print on paper by Mr Brainwash, issued in an edition of 75 at 32 x 24 inches. Each impression is signed, thumbprinted, and numbered. The subject pays tribute to LeBron James, translating the basketball icon into Mr Brainwash's Pop-portrait vocabulary of layered color and celebratory graphics.
Why It Matters
King James brings a contemporary sports icon into Mr Brainwash's portrait practice, expanding his roster of celebrated subjects beyond entertainment figures. At a substantial 32 x 24 inches with an edition of 75, it is a sizable statement piece that connects the artist to the crossover market for sports-driven fine art.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 75, signed, thumbprinted, and numbered, offers solid authentication and moderate scarcity. The LeBron James subject gives it strong crossover appeal among sports-memorabilia and Pop-art collectors alike. The large 32 x 24 inch format demands ample wall space and quality framing. Numbered impressions provide clear provenance within the run.
Historical Context
LeBron James, widely nicknamed 'King James,' is among the most celebrated athletes of his era, making him a natural subject for Pop-portrait treatment in the Warholian tradition of elevating icons. Mr Brainwash's 2021 print continues Pop art's long engagement with fame, extending it into contemporary sports culture.
FAQ
Who is the subject of King James?
It is a tribute to LeBron James, the basketball icon nicknamed 'King James.'
What is the edition size and format?
An edition of 75 at 32 x 24 inches, a large silkscreen print on paper.
How is each print marked?
Each is signed, thumbprinted, and numbered by the artist.
Who does this print appeal to?
Both Pop-art collectors and sports-memorabilia collectors, given its crossover subject.
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.