Artist Research

As I looked over the names of the artists in the list provided to us, the name Mr. Brainwash stuck out to me and led me to intriguing findings. Mr. Brainwash is an artist from the realms of street art who has received a strong reaction from the art community. Mr. Brainwash is the pseudonym for Thierry Guetta, a French  born pop artist and videographer who is based in Los Angeles.  He was introduced to the world of street art by his cousin and then began putting out art which was perceived as heavily influenced by Banksy as it resembled it immensely. Funnily enough, many have speculated and come forward with theories that Banksy worked with people to prank everyone and produce the work himself. However, Banksy has come forth and shared that Mr. Brainwash’s work is truly Guetta’s. 

 

After examining his art and perusing through his website, I have found that his art style is definitely something I would appreciate. I like how bold his recent works have been and how much it relates with the current issues and events, from his work with the LGBTQ Center and also with Michelle Obama. He definitely has an edgy look and his work is very much so vibrant and loud.

 

In general, Mr. Brainwash is known for his appropriation of works by Andy Warhol, Banksy, and Keith Haring. He produces large scale works of art that consist of pop imagery in relation to history and contemporary and cultural iconography. He worked with layering and taking images that were already made and combining it with graffiti and using a very bright color palette. He has worked in various media areas including sports, music, film, with celebrities, and has had his work featured on numerous shows and movies. He himself believes that he was truly brought into and established as an artist through the Banksy documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop. Mr. Brainwash continues to work in the art field today, working with organizations to raise awareness and help others.