Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Mr Brainwash Print Index
The King Pele - Flag Portrait
Summary
The King Pele - Flag Portrait pairs the footballer's likeness with flag imagery evoking his Brazilian identity. A one-colour screenprint on hand-torn archival paper, hand-finished by Mr. Brainwash in 2016, it measures 22.5 x 30 inches in an edition of 75. Each impression is signed by both Pele and the artist, numbered, and thumb-printed on the verso.
Why It Matters
The flag motif ties Pele explicitly to national identity, giving the portrait a patriotic dimension that resonates with Brazilian and international football audiences alike. Combined with the dual signature of athlete and artist on every sheet, it broadens the piece's appeal across both fine-art print and sports-memorabilia collecting.
Collector Perspective
Sharing the 22.5 x 30 inch upright format with the Brush Portrait, this print completes a natural two-piece portrait pairing within the series. The one-colour, hand-finished process yields impression-to-impression variation. Verify both signatures separately and confirm the verso thumbprint is intact.
Historical Context
Issued as part of the 2016 Pele collaboration, the Flag Portrait situates Pele within the visual language of national pride that surrounded him. As with the entire series, Pele's 2022 death sealed these living-signed editions as a closed chapter in his artistic legacy.
FAQ
What is the 'flag' element?
The composition incorporates flag imagery associated with Pele's Brazilian national identity alongside his portrait.
How many impressions exist?
The edition is 75.
Does it carry Pele's signature?
Yes, each impression is signed by both Pele and Mr. Brainwash, numbered, and thumb-printed on the verso.
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.