Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
Showman Ali (Green)
Summary
Showman Ali (Green) is a 2017 one-color screen print hand-finished with paint on hand-torn archival paper, editioned to 30. At 35.5 x 48.5 inches, it renders Muhammad Ali in a green-keyed variant, part of Mr. Brainwash's larger Ali suite in which each single-layer print is individually completed by hand.
Why It Matters
With an edition of 30, Showman Ali sits in the mid tier of the series' scarcity. The green colorway and hand-finishing make each impression distinct, and the title's theatrical framing reflects Ali's famous public showmanship—an apt pairing of subject and treatment within MBW's celebratory pop idiom.
Collector Perspective
At 30 examples this is slightly more available than the 25-edition variants, but still limited. The green colorway offers a cooler alternative to the warm reds and pinks. Verify signature, numbering, and reverse thumbprint, and assess the hand-applied paint on the large sheet.
Historical Context
Part of the 2017 Ali tributes following the boxer's 2016 passing, Showman Ali shares its format with other same-image variants differentiated by color and edition size. The suite continues Mr. Brainwash's practice of honoring twentieth-century icons through hand-embellished screen prints.
FAQ
How large is the edition?
It is limited to 30 impressions.
What is the colorway?
It is a green-keyed variant, cooler in tone than the red and pink Ali prints.
Is it hand-finished?
Yes, each is a one-color screen print completed by hand with paint.
How can authenticity be confirmed?
By the signature, numbering, and thumbprint on the back.
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.