Mr Brainwash, born Thierry Guetta in 1966 in Paris, France, is a contemporary French-American street artist best known for his large-scale, pop culture-inspired works that blend a variety of styles, including graffiti, pop art, and stencil art.
His rise to fame is closely associated with the art world’s fascination with the blurred lines between street art and commercial art.
Thierry Guetta emigrated to the United States in the 1970s. He became interested in street art in the early 1990s after meeting his cousin, the famous street artist Invader, and later befriending prominent figures like Banksy and Shepard Fairey. Initially, Guetta was a passionate documentarian, capturing footage of the underground street art scene, which ultimately became a critical part of his story.
The "Mr. Brainwash" persona was born when Guetta himself decided to step away from behind the camera and start creating art. He took inspiration from the artists he admired and worked with, adopting a distinctive style that combined elements of street art, pop art, and collage. His work often incorporates recognizable imagery from mass media and pop culture, such as iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, and Superman, as well as references to art history, especially Andy Warhol.
His vibrant, sometimes chaotic, pieces often feature bright colors, layered stencil work, and a sense of playful irreverence toward both the commercial world and the art establishment.