Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
The Joker
Summary
The Joker is a 2019 seven-color screen print by Mr. Brainwash on hand-torn archival art paper, measuring 43 x 32 inches in an edition of 79. Part of the artist's ongoing comic-book cover series, it foregrounds one of the most notorious super-villains through a large-format, richly layered graphic treatment.
Why It Matters
The seven-color process gives this print far more chromatic depth than the artist's one- and two-color editions, and the hand-torn edges signal a considered, tactile object. The Joker's status as a cultural touchstone of villainy makes him a magnetic subject for Pop appropriation and comic-book homage alike.
Collector Perspective
At 43 x 32 inches this is a commanding large-format sheet, and the seven-color build gives it a presence that rewards close viewing. The edition of 79 balances availability with scarcity. The hand-torn deckle and layered printing appeal to collectors who prioritize production quality and physical craft.
Historical Context
The Joker has anchored comic and film narratives for decades, and 2019 saw the character at a cultural peak. Brainwash's comic-book cover series taps that visibility, framing the villain within the graphic conventions of the medium while elevating him through fine-art screen printing.
FAQ
How many colors are used?
It is a seven-color screen print, giving it notable chromatic depth compared to the artist's simpler editions.
What paper is it printed on?
Hand-torn archival art paper, which gives each sheet a tactile deckle edge.
What is the size and edition?
It measures 43 x 32 inches in an edition of 79.
How does this relate to the Comic Book Cover Joker prints?
It belongs to the same ongoing comic-book cover series, which includes several numbered Joker cover variations.
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.