Mr Brainwash

Known for his large-scale installations and graffiti-hybrid paintings and prints, Mr. Brainwash’s practice of subverting and appropriating cultural iconography, described by the artist as an “orchestrated collision of street art and Pop Art”, liberally borrows from Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Bansky. Ever since his role as the accidental protagonist in Banksy’s 2010 documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop, which follows Thierry Guetta as he begins his journey to becoming Mr. Brainwash, his mixed-media works have become must-haves for any Contemporary art collection.

Born in 1966 in Garges-lès-Gonesse, France, Mr. Brainwash emigrated to Los Angeles in the 1980s, aged just 15. After dropping out of high school, he ran a popular vintage clothing store in the city. His interest in street art was sparked by a visit to his native France in 1999, where he learned that his cousin was the graffiti artist Invader. A talented videographer, the artist began capturing the nightly escapades of Invader and other street artists on film.

From his album cover designs for Madonna and Rick Ross to his creative partnerships with powerhouse brands like Porsche and New Balance, the artist complements his profile-raising collaborations with a commitment to giving back, donating his time to supporting a host of organisations, including the LGBT Center in LA and the Prince’s Trust.