Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Life (Nepal)
Summary
Life (Nepal) is a 2015 seven-color screen print on hand-torn archival art paper, hand finished with brush strokes and spray-paint splatter, issued in an edition of 100 at 28.5 by 22.5 inches. Each sheet is signed, numbered, and carries the artist's verso thumbprint.
Why It Matters
The hand-finishing makes every impression unique, with individually applied brushwork and spray splatter layered over the printed base. Released in support of Nepal relief, the work pairs MBW's affirmative messaging with a documented charitable context and the tactile, one-of-a-kind surface collectors prize.
Collector Perspective
Hand-finished editions carry added value because no two sheets are identical. Within the edition of 100, collectors should photograph the specific splatter and brush pattern of their impression, confirm the seven-color base, and verify signature, numbering, and thumbprint. The unique finish is central to the piece and should be preserved.
Historical Context
Part of Mr. Brainwash's 2015 Nepal benefit releases, Life (Nepal) reflects the artist's practice of overlaying editioned prints with spontaneous street-art gestures. The hand-finish approach connects his studio output to his graffiti roots and the immediacy of gestural mark-making.
FAQ
Is each impression unique?
Yes, each is hand finished with brush strokes and spray-paint splatter, making every sheet distinct.
What relief effort did it support?
The release benefited Nepal earthquake relief efforts in 2015.
How many colors form the base?
It is a seven-color screen print before the hand-finishing is applied.
What is the edition size?
Life (Nepal) was issued in an edition of 100, signed and numbered.
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.