Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Rescue (Red)
Summary
A five-color screen print from 2019 in which Mr. Brainwash appropriates Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and drags it into his signature pop vernacular. Issued in an edition of 70 on hand-torn archival art paper at 30 x 22.5 inches, each impression is signed, numbered, and carries the artist's trademark thumbprint on the verso.
Why It Matters
The Mona Lisa is arguably the most recognized painting on earth, which makes it a natural target for an artist whose entire practice hinges on recontextualizing icons. This piece distills Mr. Brainwash's thesis: nothing is too sacred to be reworked. The five-color layering gives it a punchier, poster-like presence than the Renaissance original.
Collector Perspective
At an edition of 70 this sits in the mid-tier of Mr. Brainwash releases, tighter than his 100-count runs but more available than the hand-finished editions of 12 to 20. The hand-torn deckle edges and verso thumbprint are the two authentication touchpoints collectors check first. The Mona Lisa subject gives it broad crossover appeal beyond dedicated MBW followers.
Historical Context
Reworking the Mona Lisa has a long lineage, from Duchamp's L.H.O.O.Q. to Warhol's silkscreens. Mr. Brainwash, who rose to prominence through the 2010 film Exit Through the Gift Shop, positions himself squarely in that appropriation tradition. This 2019 release fits his ongoing habit of grabbing the most famous image in a given category and putting his stamp on it.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
The Red / Blue Rescue is a screen print issued in an edition of 70.
How is authenticity typically confirmed?
Each impression is signed and numbered and carries Mr. Brainwash's thumbprint on the back, the two markers collectors check against the paper and deckle edge.
What are the dimensions?
The sheet measures 30 x 22.5 inches on hand-torn archival art paper.
How many colors are in the print?
It is described as a five-color screen print.
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.