Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Poppy (Red)
Summary
"Poppy (Red)" is a 2013 seven-color screen print by Mr. Brainwash, produced on hand-torn archival art paper at 22.5 x 30 inches. Issued in a tight edition of 35, each impression is signed, numbered, and thumb-printed by the artist. The multi-layer screen process and floral subject place it among his more formally crafted print releases.
Why It Matters
The small edition of 35 sets this apart from Brainwash's larger, more widely available print runs, giving it genuine scarcity. The seven-color separation and hand-torn deckle edges signal a labor-intensive production, while the thumbprint adds a personal authentication mark that has become a hallmark of the artist's hand-finished editions.
Collector Perspective
Scarcity is the headline here: with only 35 impressions, availability is limited and the signed, numbered, thumb-printed treatment supports authentication. Collectors should confirm the pencil signature, edition number, and thumbprint, and inspect the hand-torn edges, which are intended and not damage. Archival paper favors long-term preservation when framed with UV protection away from light.
Historical Context
Released in 2013 during Brainwash's productive studio period, "Poppy" reflects his engagement with recognizable pop and floral motifs delivered through traditional screen-printing craft. The thumbprint device, recurring across his hand-finished editions, ties the work to the authentication questions that have long surrounded the artist and shaped how collectors approach his prints.
FAQ
How many prints are in the "Poppy (Red)" edition?
The edition is limited to 35 impressions, a small run relative to many of Mr. Brainwash's releases. Each is signed, numbered, and thumb-printed by the artist.
What printing technique was used?
It is a seven-color screen print on hand-torn archival art paper, measuring 22.5 x 30 inches. The multiple color layers reflect a labor-intensive production.
What is the thumbprint on the print?
Each impression carries the artist's thumbprint alongside the signature and edition number. It functions as a personal authentication mark characteristic of his hand-finished editions.
Are the torn edges a defect?
No. The hand-torn deckle edges are an intentional feature of the archival paper, not damage, and are part of the print's finished presentation.
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.