Exit through the gift shop is an amazing documentary/film by the famous and renowned Banksy. It tells the story of Thierry Guetta, a french immigrant in Los Angeles, that started getting involved with street artists from all around the world by filming them. An art lover and street art enthusiast that soon becomes an artists himself. Although I should be very careful when using the term artist in this context. As the documentary goes on, you start questioning the motives of Thierry Guetta, or Mr Brainwash. This movie asks the hard question, what is the fine line between art and business, hype and talent?
If you haven't seen it yet, I am going to have to stop you right away, and ask you to do it. As this article asks one question: "What happened to Mr Brainwash?"
You might see this article as an update of the movie, and a questioning of today's art market.
Before continuing, and trying to find out what Mr Brainwash is doing these days, giving a context is necessary. At the end of the movie, we follow the first big exhibition, or coming out party, of Mr Brainwash. A huge event, out of proportions, where you can't stop but asking yourself one question: "is this legitimate art?". I recommend you watching the following short video, to get an idea of the situation.
If you haven't seen it yet, I am going to have to stop you right away, and ask you to do it. As this article asks one question: "What happened to Mr Brainwash?"
You might see this article as an update of the movie, and a questioning of today's art market.
Before continuing, and trying to find out what Mr Brainwash is doing these days, giving a context is necessary. At the end of the movie, we follow the first big exhibition, or coming out party, of Mr Brainwash. A huge event, out of proportions, where you can't stop but asking yourself one question: "is this legitimate art?". I recommend you watching the following short video, to get an idea of the situation.
After watching this movie I had the uncontrollable need to do a little bit of research on the phenomenon that Mr Brainwash is. Is he still active in 2014? What are the differences between him and Banksy, his uncontested inspiration?
I quickly realized that Mr Brainwash was very active online, and was doing very well. Contrary to Banksy, he is very active on the different social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc... Although there hasn't been any activity on his Twitter page since August 2013. The only update I could find was on Facebook. So clearly still active, but are the bright colors of fame washing off?
I then tried to find some news, values of his paintings and auctions. The question being, is he still active on the art market? The answer is yes. He is even being exhibited in a French Gallery in Paris.: "Street Art yesterday and today. From March 15th to April 26th 2014. Basquiat - Haring - Banksy - Brainwash - Swoon - Kouka"
I was very impressed to realize with whom he was being associated. Those are very big names, maybe I was mistaken, maybe he is legitimate. After all, who am I to judge the work of an artist that seems to be successful?
I quickly realized that Mr Brainwash was very active online, and was doing very well. Contrary to Banksy, he is very active on the different social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc... Although there hasn't been any activity on his Twitter page since August 2013. The only update I could find was on Facebook. So clearly still active, but are the bright colors of fame washing off?
I then tried to find some news, values of his paintings and auctions. The question being, is he still active on the art market? The answer is yes. He is even being exhibited in a French Gallery in Paris.: "Street Art yesterday and today. From March 15th to April 26th 2014. Basquiat - Haring - Banksy - Brainwash - Swoon - Kouka"
I was very impressed to realize with whom he was being associated. Those are very big names, maybe I was mistaken, maybe he is legitimate. After all, who am I to judge the work of an artist that seems to be successful?
What was the valuation of his artworks? I quickly found an answer on artbrokerage.com, some of his paintings are selling at around $9000, and you can find some prints and posters for very reasonable prices on Ebay. It appears that he is still selling some artworks. I also found an interesting article on gothamist.com about a mural that he did in September 2014 in New-York. Definite proof of the fact that Mr Brainwash, is still, undoubtedly, active.
Finally I wanted to check out his website (www.mrbrainwash.com). And I quickly had a smile on my face. I was clearly expecting something like that from Mr Brainwash, this marketing expert. Not only does he sell on his website, but it is thought out as a true e-commerce experience. He also sells Nike sneakers with paint of them.
As a conclusion, I would admit that I came out of this little research a bit skeptical. Is he an artist or a marketing genius? A little bit of both I suppose. There is only one certainty, he can thank Banksy, in more that one way, for his fame and fortune.
Finally I wanted to check out his website (www.mrbrainwash.com). And I quickly had a smile on my face. I was clearly expecting something like that from Mr Brainwash, this marketing expert. Not only does he sell on his website, but it is thought out as a true e-commerce experience. He also sells Nike sneakers with paint of them.
As a conclusion, I would admit that I came out of this little research a bit skeptical. Is he an artist or a marketing genius? A little bit of both I suppose. There is only one certainty, he can thank Banksy, in more that one way, for his fame and fortune.