Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
The Cat And The Heart (Balloon)
Summary
The Cat And The Heart (Balloon) is a 2020 screen print measuring 30 x 22 inches, released only in Red in an edition of 50, with an AP edition of 5. It pairs a cartoon cat with a balloon heart, blending street-art whimsy with Mr. Brainwash's recurring love imagery.
Why It Matters
Issued 'only in Red,' this balloon variant is more contained than the artist's multi-color releases of the same subject. The cat-and-heart pairing distills approachable, feel-good iconography that reads instantly, while the single-color exclusivity gives it a distinct collecting identity.
Collector Perspective
At an edition of 50 with just 5 APs, this red-only variant is scarcer than many MBW paper editions. Collectors should confirm the pencil signature, numbering, and AP mark where relevant, and note that this Balloon version is distinct from the multi-colorway Cat And The Heart release.
Historical Context
Part of Mr. Brainwash's 2020 output, The Cat And The Heart (Balloon) extends his balloon-and-heart love vocabulary into a character-driven composition. The single-color, smaller-edition treatment reflects how he differentiates variants within a shared subject.
FAQ
What colorway is this?
The Balloon version was released only in Red.
What is the edition size?
It is an edition of 50 with an AP edition of 5.
What are the dimensions?
The print measures 30 x 22 inches.
How does it differ from the other Cat And The Heart print?
This Balloon version is red-only in an edition of 50, distinct from the multi-color edition-of-30 release.
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.