Flying Balloon Heart, 2023
Stencil And Mixed Media on Fiberglass, 71 x 25 x 25 cm
About the artwork
This fiberglass heart-shaped balloon sculpture by Mr. Brainwash features distinct painted designs, a vibrant mix of neon colours and layered graffiti-style artwork on both sides. The front displays "FOLLOW YOUR HEART" with playful imagery, such as a cartoon mouse, while the back features "LOVE IS THE ANSWER" alongside an iconic stencil of Albert Einstein, a clear nod to Banksy's artwork, "Love is the Answer" A spiraling metallic wire suspends the balloon, creating the illusion of flight, contrasting with the sleek, reflective base. This piece invites viewers to contemplate themes of love and inspiration, infused with a deliberate reference to Banksy, through Mr. Brainwash's blend of pop iconography and street art.
About the artist
Mr. Brainwash (Thierry Guetta) is a French-born, Los Angeles-based contemporary artist whose explosive entry into the art world redefined the boundaries of street and pop art. Bursting onto the scene in the early 2000s, Mr. Brainwash quickly garnered global attention for his dynamic and colorful mixed-media artworks that fuse street art, pop culture, and graffiti. His work is instantly recognizable—bold, ironic, and unapologetically optimistic.
Propelled into international fame following his role in the Banksy-directed documentary 'Exit Through the Gift Shop', Mr. Brainwash turned a passion for documenting street artists into a thriving artistic career of his own.
His pieces celebrate iconic cultural figures—from Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin to Andy Warhol and Keith Haring—reimagining them through vibrant layers of paint, stenciling, and collage.
His artworks have been exhibited at prominent institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles and have been collected by celebrities and tastemakers worldwide. With a flair for spectacle and a message of positivity, Mr. Brainwash invites viewers to embrace creativity, challenge convention, and “follow their dreams.”