Mr. Brainwash’s first solo show, “Life is Beautiful”, opened in the summer of 2008. Mounted in a former T.V. studio in Hollywood, it was the perfect place for the arrival of the art scene’s rambunctious new player.  The show was so eagerly anticipated that it garnered the cover of LA Weekly, one of Los Angeles’ most circulated publications. “Life is Beautiful” opened with a tremendous thunder, attracting thousands of people who lined the streets for blocks.  Featuring a 20-foot robot, a pyramid made of 20,000 books, and a life-size recreation of Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” Life is Beautiful was an extremely successful debut. The show extended for three months, attracting a total of 50,000 visitors, and went on to become the biggest art opening in L.A. and one of the most memorable solo shows in LA’s history. This was just the beginning.

Mr. Brainwash’s signature style was soon garnering the attention of everyone from fine art critics to journalists and celebrities.  In 2009, when Madonna was set to release her greatest hits compilation, “Celebration”, she asked Mr. Brainwash to design the cover.  He designed 15 different covers for the wide release, singles, DVDs, a fold up poster, and special edition vinyl.  Mr. Brainwash was now not just commenting on pop culture, he had become a part of it. 

New York was the next stop.  In 2010, Mr. Brainwash invaded the Meatpacking District with “Life is Beautiful: Icons”, his first New York solo show.  This show was bigger than ever, covering a 15,000 square foot, multi-story warehouse. The downstairs displayed Mr. Brainwash’s evocative portraits of music legends, constructed from bits of broken records.  The exhibit also featured a 10-foot tall boom box and a life-size NYC taxicab in Matchbox toy car packaging. “Life is Beautiful: Icons” was so popular that it was extended for 3 months, reopened as “Life is Beautiful: Icons Remixed”, with new installations.  Mr. Brainwash had now shown both coasts the force of his solo exhibitions.  Prestigious auction houses and collectors, including Christie’s and Phillips de Pury, took notice by offering his work in high-profile auctions. The art show space was also used to host an exclusive party during New York Fashion Week for Gwen Stefani’s fashion line, L.A.M.B. 

Mr. Brainwash then set off to Miami for one of the art world’s most respected fairs, Art Basel Miami.  Without any announcement or notice, Mr. Brainwash took over a 25,000 square foot building in South Beach with a colorful art spectacle entitled, “Life is Beautiful: Under Construction”.  The show was his trademark style: playful and positive, but on a huge scale.  Once the show opened, it exploded, becoming the must-see attraction at Art Basel.   

2010 also saw the release of one of the most talked-about documentaries in years, Exit Through the Gift Shop.  Using footage shot by Mr. Brainwash himself, and directed by fellow street artist, Banksy, Exit Through the Gift Shop followed the evolution of street art, with Mr. Brainwash at the center of it all.  The film was nominated for an Academy Award and received numerous prizes, including an Independent Spirit Award for “Best Documentary”.  The success of Exit Through the Gift Shop catapulted Mr. Brainwash to worldwide fame as he persisted in breaking down pop art’s walls. Over time, the film developed a dedicated “cult film” following and the documentary, along with Mr. Brainwash are now studied on school campuses all over the world.  

Mr. Brainwash continued to bring his art all over the world, making his Canadian debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2011. Mr. Brainwash’s installations were placed all over the city. They included his signature 8-foot tall spray can sculptures, each one a different film genre, and life-size Canadian Mounties cutouts, armed with boom mics and cameras.  Everywhere Mr. Brainwash went, he was able to create a pop art conversation with the city he was creating for.   

Mr. Brainwash headed back to Miami for Art Basel in 2011 with a new show, “Life is Beautiful: Untitled”.  Occupying the same South Beach space, he constructed a vibrant world of fiberglass sculptures and mixed media canvases.  Again, the show was a hit, attracting collectors, gallery owners, and celebrities from all over the world. He also collaborated with Absolut Vodka, designing special edition versions of his popular 3D spray cans.  

As the year came to a close, Mr. Brainwash returned to the home of his first solo show, Los Angeles, with “Life is Beautiful: Art Show 2011”.  This show was his biggest yet, taking over an 80,000 square foot building in the center of the city. Each day, thousands of people flocked to see this thrilling monster of a show, which embraced Los Angeles as the epicenter of pop. In addition to being able to attend the show, Mr. Brainwash also gave artists the opportunity to be a part of the show. For the exhibition, he donated over 20,000 square feet of space to showcase donated works from around the globe. Artists were invited to mail in their art or install the artworks themselves. Most art shows and exhibitions are reserved for a specific segment of society, however Mr. Brainwash’s art shows are for everyone.  His shows become an art access point for art lovers of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. 

Not only does Mr. Brainwash create and foster art in his community, but he also gives back in other ways.  Mr. Brainwash continues to be a frequent donor to important causes such as the Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation, Free Arts NY, and The Prince’s Trust. 

Following the massive LA show, 2012 only got bigger.  Sotheby’s featured Mr. Brainwash in a private contemporary art exhibit in Mexico City, solidifying his popularity with collectors and with the world’s most well-known art houses around the globe.   

When the Summer Olympics arrived, and the whole world had its eye on London, Mr. Brainwash made his UK debut (where he was already a well-known name, because of his collaborations with Banksy) by invading The Old Sorting Office, a colossal space, steps from the British Museum.  His love of British pop culture icons rang out through the streets, as Mr. Brainwash adorned the side of the Sorting Office with a 6-story tall Queen Elizabeth II, in her coronation attire, holding a Union Jack spray can.  The show saw large crowds each day and became Mr. Brainwash’s most attended show to date.  The pre-opening of the show was a party in collaboration with Coca Cola, featuring world-famous DJ, David Guetta.  The party, titled “Guetta Vs. Guetta,” had over 1,000 people in attendance.   

This wasn’t his only collaboration with the other famous Guetta. Mr. Brainwash also made a music video for David Guetta’s “Metropolis” which currently boasts over 13 million views. 

While in London, Mr. Brainwash was interviewed by the BBC and was on the cover of “Metro” London’s most widely-distributed free daily newspaper.  

From the Olympics to the National Election, Mr. Brainwash headed back stateside to create the artwork for “Rock the Vote,” a national campaign reminding the youth about the importance of voting and the power of democracy.   

By 2013, Mr. Brainwash was truly one of the most in-demand artists worldwide.  He continued to play with pop culture and designed the décor for Seth McFarlane’s exclusive Oscar Party.  He adorned the party space with his Rockwell, Botero, and Degas re-imaginations as well as playful, large-scale sculptures.  

2013 also saw Mr. Brainwash’s triumphant return to Art Basel.  Taking up residency in Gale South Beach on Collins Avenue, a hotel on one of the most iconic streets in Miami, Mr. Brainwash staged a pop art takeover by installing large-scale oil paintings and sculptures, including a 3 story tall Mona Lisa with a Mohawk. 

In addition to the art and film communities, Mr. Brainwash is also an in-demand name in the music industry.  He has designed art for the album campaigns of some of the world’s most influential artists: Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Keys, and Rick Ross to name a few.  In 2013, in collaboration with the Hard Rock Hotel, Mr. Brainwash attacked the pulse of the music industry: Coachella.   He adorned the festival with towering murals, adding an additional element of surprise and wonder and solidifying his already strong connection to music.   

Madonna approached him again, and asked Mr. Brainwash to take part in another collaboration, this time for the opening of her gym, Hard Candy Fitness in Toronto. The Hard Candy Fitness opening featured the live on-site creation of an 11 by 30-foot Madonna mural, designed by Mr. Brainwash. 

From the Queen of Pop, to the King of Pop, Mr. Brainwash designed artwork for Michael Jackson’s newest release, “Xscape,” as Michael Jackson was an early admirer of Mr. Brainwash and had become close friends over the years.    

Mr. Brainwash continued to make his mark on the diverse art and music scenes in 2014, including a colorful, viral performance with pop sensation Rita Ora on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.  Mr. Brainwash also merged his passions for art, music, film, and philanthropy by directing a video for “Divine Sorrow,” by Wyclef Jean, featuring Avicii for Coca-Cola and the (RED) campaign, which aims to raise awareness and money for the Global Fund’s efforts to virtually eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV. 

Mr. Brainwash also collaborated with Mercedes-Benz for The Evolution Tour, 8 intimate concert experiences across the country featuring artists such as Alabama Shakes and

Mayer Hawthorne.  At each stop of the Evolution Tour, Mr. Brainwash created a one-of- a-kind Mercedes-Benz 2015 GLA in his signature, splashy colorful style.   

In honor of September 11, Mr. Brainwash wanted to show New York the love he had for this special city by creating the biggest mural installation he had ever attempted.  A tribute to the victims of 9/11, the mural covered a full city block, facing the new One World Trade Center. The art piece provided native New Yorkers and tourists the chance to reflect on this tragedy and take pride in the people that make New York such a unique place. 

In December 2014, Mr. Brainwash returned to Art Basel, for a host of shows and collaborations throughout the city including a partnership with global brand, Burger King. Mr. Brainwash created a mural, which encouraged public interaction and provided a colorful juxtaposition of street art and Miami’s multi-cultural lifestyle. The art piece also created a space connecting the vibrant city of Miami to its many pop culture influences and playfully comments on Burger King’s connection to Miami, where the company has its headquarters.  

Mr. Brainwash’s adventure into fashion continued in 2015 with his collaboration with Sunglass Hut for their Artist Series. The collection was comprised of 250 one-of-a-kind designs rendered on Ray-Ban’s iconic Wayfarer, Clubmaster, Aviator, and Round models. The sunglasses were packaged in a unique painted case placed in a custom made “mock spray can” in Mr. Brainwash’s signature style. Sunglass Hut’s flagship store, located at 496 Broadway in New York, was taken over by Mr. Brainwash and featured a mock studio with some of his well-known works.     

Keeping his charity work a top priority, Mr. Brainwash donated a one-of-a-kind work to the third annual Kaleidoscope Ball, presented by Harry Winston, in May 2015.  The Ball raised funds for research at the UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute at Mattel Children’s Hospital, which was attended by Goldie Hawn and Academy Award winning actor Halle Berry, one of the honorees.  

That was just the start of Mr. Brainwash’s epic summer.  In New York’s meatpacking district, where he debuted his first solo New York show, “Life Is Beautiful: Icons”, Mr. Brainwash returned for a pop-up art show, “Life is Beautiful”. The show had thousands of visitors a day, tourists and locals alike, who were delighted to discover this secret art show hidden under New York City’s famous High Line.  The show was packed with sculptures, screen prints, and installations, all which showcase his signature take on pop culture’s most recognizable icons and images and signified his glorious return to The Big Apple.  The show garnered attention from the press and public alike, with Mr. Brainwash appearing on Fox 5’s Good Day New York. 

His work in New York City continued through the fall, where he erected another monumental mural in remembrance of September 11, paying tribute to the resilience of New Yorkers and their incredible city.  During the holiday season in 2015, Mr. Brainwash’s artwork was on display in another part of Manhattan, Times Square.  In collaboration with Coca Cola, Mr. Brainwash made a video showcasing their slogan, “Make Someone Happy.”  The video played in Coca-Cola’s iconic billboard space, in Times Square, through the New Year. 

On the other coast, Mr. Brainwash had his Heart Sculpture on display through January 2016 inside the City of West Hollywood’s public library.  Crafted out of recycled books, wood, and covered in a spectacular shade of bright pink, the sculpture stands over 6 feet tall.  He also contributed a Life is Beautiful sculpture as part of LA Pride in June 2015. 

2016 has also seen Mr. Brainwash collaborate with a host of different brands, musicians, and artistic institutions.  Mr. Brainwash teamed up with world-famous producer and composer, Kygo to design the poster for his headlining show at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, as well as the album art design for his new record, Cloud Nine. He also appeared in an episode of reality TV’s biggest hit, Keeping Up with the Kardashians.  Recently, he’s created incredible screen prints for Warner Brothers’ film, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and the National Kabuki Theater of Japan.

 In March of 2016, for International Women’s Day, Mr. Brainwash was commissioned by The White House to install a mural for Let Girls Learn, the Obama Administration’s initiative to help adolescent girls worldwide attend and complete school.  Not only did the mural receive national attention, Mr. Brainwash was able to meet with Michelle Obama and taught her how to spray paint! 

In May of 2016, Hamilton-Selway Fine Art, an internationally known gallery specializing in Pop Art presented an exhibition of Mr. Brainwash’s recent works. Also in May, Mr. Brainwash contributed work to “Streetease”, a collaborative exhibition with Seen and Mr. Brainwash put on by Opera Gallery Hong Kong. 

By June of 2016, Mr. Brainwash made his way oversees to Seoul, South Korea for a “Life Is Beautiful” solo exhibition with ARA Modern Art Museum. Mr. Brainwash transformed the 4-story museum for its debut opening causing an explosive reaction from the young audience of South Korea. 

Mr. Brainwash is unlike any artist today. His shows are journeys – self-guided tours through a pop culture wonderland: colorful and beautiful. His artwork is a pure sensory experience and like so many of the subjects depicted in Mr. Brainwash’s art, his works are timeless, reflecting human aspirations and the voice that screams, “Follow Your Dreams.”