Mr. Brainwash continues to be highlight of Art Miami
Last year Mr. Brainwash painted Contessa Gallery’s booth causing quite a stir, this year Contessa’s Mr. Brainwash caused a media frenzy. The solo exhibit was highlighted on CBS Evening News and Miami Herald.
Mr. Brainwash (born Thierry Guetta in 1966) began his artistic career over 17 years ago documenting the underground world of street artists. Eventually this endeavor introduced him to Banksy, who is arguably the most anonymous and famous street artist living today. With the encouragement of Banksy, Guetta began creating his own street art.
In 2008, Mr. Brainwash produced an explosive first solo show, Life is Beautiful. The epic display hundreds of breakthrough works revolutionized the art scene not only in Los Angeles, where the show was held, but worldwide. This phenomenal exhibition skyrocketed Mr. Brainwash’s popularity. His artistic evolution is chronicled in the Academy Award nominated documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop, coincidently directed by Banksy. Known for his stylistic combination of pop and street art, Guetta creates his works by brilliantly fusing together historical pop imagery with contemporary cultural iconography. This year, the special exhibition showcased energetic and never before seen works by Mr. Brainwash at Art Miami which employed neon light bulbs, paper collages, broken vinyl records, metal and fiberglass.

Chaplin Subway, Original Stencil and Mixed Media on Metal, Plywood an Fiberglass

Mr. Brainwash, Life is Beautiful, 2018
Enameled Steel Sculpture

Mr. Brainwash, Imagine, 2018
Neon Light Bulb on Paper Collage

Mr. Brainwash, Marilyn Monroe, 2018
Broken Vinyl Records on Canvas
About Contessa Gallery
Founded in 1999, Contessa Gallery offers artworks of exceedingly high quality as well as art acquisition counsel to collectors, museums and institutions. Areas of expertise include pre-20th century, Modern and Contemporary sculpture, paintings, photography and works on paper. While many galleries focus primarily on artist representation and promotion, Contessa Gallery is collector focused. The gallery’s mission is to assist clients in developing collections that have deep personal meaning. Contessa encourages its clients to view their collections as a legacy that can be passed down through generations or to institutions.
The gallery continues to expand its clientele and reputation through its participation in prestigious art fairs, such as; Art Miami, Art New York and The Armory Show – Modern. At the philanthropic level, Contessa Gallery aims to make a difference in the community through the contribution of time, expertise, sponsorship and educational programming for museums and organizations dedicated to the arts.
For more detailed information about the gallery or artists please visit their website: www.contessagallery.com or contact Steve Hartman at 216-956-2825 or via email: art@contessagallery.com
Creates Media Frenzy
at Art Miami










Gallery, experienced first-hand the depth of the local Palm Beach area arts and cultural scene when he experimented with a West Palm Beach satellite gallery last year. This year a unique opportunity fell into his lap: A high-prized locale on Worth Avenue belonging to well-known art collector and Andy Warhol muse, J
selection by pop and street art sensation, Mr. Brainwash. Contessa Gallery is excited to showcase the artist’s continual revolutionary experimentation with new techniques, media, materials and subject matter. The Palm Beach gallery also features major artwork by
long-time jewelry collector and jewelry lover herself, Laura’s design philosophy fuels her production of fresh, stylish pieces that she would want to have and wear. Stones are found all around the world. Her collection includes many one-of-a-kind pieces made with mandarin garnet, a rare stone available in extremely limited quantities. A striking addition to the collection is the use of blackened gold in combination with diamonds, mandarin garnet, sapphires and tourmaline. “The blackening of gold represents the sense of old-world style, while the introduction of the colored gemstones produces a fresh and modern look,” says Laura.
The style of the Laura Munder Fine Jewelry Collection has also been recognized by national media.
Masterpiece offers a diverse range of exhibitors and their treasures, as well as dining at some of London’s finest establishments within the fair including
antiques fair in the world.”– Susan Moore, The Financial Times
stamp of approval being the sold out works by Isabel Saad,” said Jonathon Ortiz-Smykla, Gallery Manager.
“I’ve always been a believer in the mantra that if you follow your passion, you will be successful in life. I am blessed that my avocation became my vocation.” remarks Steve.
At first meeting with Steve, it’s easy to see what has made Contessa Gallery such a powerhouse in the art industry. Contessa Gallery is driven by Steve’s three main principles: passion, integrity and education.