Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Playing Cowboy
Summary
Playing Cowboy is an eight-color screen print on archival paper from 2020, measuring 43 x 32 inches in an edition of 85. Made for Elvis Presley's 85th birthday, it reinvents an image tied to his role in the 1960 western Flaming Star, honoring the singer's screen legacy.
Why It Matters
The print merges music and cinema, celebrating Elvis not only as a musician but as a movie star. Its eight-color build and large 43 x 32 format make it visually substantial, while the Flaming Star reference gives collectors a specific pop-culture anchor beyond the familiar musical persona.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 85 in eight colors at a large scale offers strong production value for a music-and-film tribute. The Elvis-85th-birthday tie gives the release a clear thematic hook. Confirm the pencil signature and numbering, and plan for framing at the sizable 43 x 32 dimensions.
Historical Context
Released in 2020 for Elvis Presley's 85th birthday, Playing Cowboy references his starring role in the 1960 film Flaming Star. It exemplifies Mr. Brainwash's habit of timing celebrity tributes to milestone birthdays and drawing on the subject's broader cultural output.
FAQ
Who is depicted?
The print honors Elvis Presley, made for his 85th birthday.
What film does it reference?
It reinterprets an image tied to Elvis's role in the 1960 western Flaming Star.
What is the edition size?
It is an eight-color screen print in an edition of 85.
What are the dimensions?
The print measures 43 x 32 inches on archival paper.
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.