Today, pop icon, Madonna released the first single on her definitive greatest hits album. To accompany the 37 greatest hits and two new singles, she’s selected as album art a piece from the illusive Mr. Brainwash. Madonna has long found ways to attach her name to emerging trends and talent in an effort solidify her place in history. An appropriate choice as Madonna is often compared to some of the greatest pop artists in history, Mr. Brainwash has boldly taken on Andy Warhol, Duchamp, and Indiana among others. This is arguably the most exposure MBW has seen from a single piece to date. It will undoubtedly create the foundation for building up his reputation as a noted pop artist.

On February 24, 2009 a set of 20 limited edition Bansky prints were put up for auction at Bonhams’ Urban Art Sale in London. The prints, originally produced in 2006, feature a Warhol-esque Kate Moss. Expected to retrieve up to £150,000 ($222,000 USD), the work failed to sell. This was a shock, as one of the very same prints sold at Bonham’s for £96,000 just a year ago. It is difficult to say if this is a reflection of the state of the UK economy or of Banksy’s appeal.

It is rumored that Banksy, in an effort to prove his work could transcend the Banksy brand name, staged the June 2008 “Life is Beautiful” show in Los Angeles under the guise Mr. Brainwash. Jam packed with prints and installations, many of which referenced Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe pieces, the show drew an estimated 5,000+ eager fans on opening night. Each anxious to get a glimpse of the masses of work steeped in controversy and marred by rumors. Some suggested that Thierry Guetta, a.k.a Mr. Brainwash, was a hired proxy in the Banksy prank.

What is obvious is that the MBW and Banksy sets are drawn from the same cloth. The recent Banksy re-release is a sobering reminder that controversy may not be enough to drive value and demand for his work.

Be sure to check out the new Featured Artist – Mr. Brainwash for tons of pics and an interview with the man himself. We attended his debut show “Life is Beautiful,” and it was everything we’d hoped and more.

I know very little about Mr. Brainwash for certain. I know that two of the most prominent artists in the world have made both positive and seemingly negative comments about the man, very publicly and very recently. This former film maker turned street artist will be making a very public display of his work next Wednesday June 18th at 7:00pm at 6121 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028.

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