Mr. Brainwash (1966), Untitled (2016)

Mr. Brainwash (b. 1966) Love LA AND, 2016 Oil and spray paint on canvas 54 x 36 inches (137.2 x 91.4 cm) Signed, titled, and dated in acrylic to reverse Mr. Brainwash is a French born street artist based in Los Angeles. He was introduced to the street art world when he would accompany his cousin, artist Space Invader, into the streets of Paris at night to document his work. He later did the same with Shepard Fairey in the United States. Mr. Brainwash is well known for featuring in Banksy's documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop, and is considered a mentor by artist Alec Monopoly. While these connections have influenced his work, his success has continued on the strength of the popularity of his style. Using a colorful graffiti-inspired style, he features iconic images from pop culture and history, such as Madonna, Mickey Mouse, Albert Einstein, Hitchcock, and others. His work often includes the phrase "Life is Beautiful," and homages to artistic inspirations such as Banksy and Warhol. This original piece incorporates a variety of his signature elements, featuring the unlikely juxtaposition of the playful Mickey Mouse and serious Hitchcock amongst "Life is Beautiful". Unlike much of his work that has a completely filled graffiti background, this piece is unique in that it instead features paint dripping and splattered across the canvas, allowing the characters and inspirational words to stand out. HID09710052018 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Condition Report: Light smudging to right and left edge; scuffing to upper right and left corners. Unframed.