Thierry Guetta, better known as Mr. Brainwash, was born in Garges-les-Gonesse, France, in 1966.

He moved to Los Angeles with his family when he was 15, where he after owned a vintage clothing store and occupied himself as an amateur videographer. While visiting Paris, he came upon the secret identity of his cousin – street artist Space Invader. Later Guetta met Banksy, infamous across the world for his provocative street art. Banksy told Guetta that maybe he should try his hand at street art instead. He never knew how literally Guetta would take him. Almost overnight he adopted the personality of Mr. Brainwash (MBW). Quickly, the new story became about Mr. Brainwash’s swift rise to notoriety as he attempted to pull off his debut exhibit Life is Beautiful in Los Angeles in 2008. The two-week show was extended for three months, and Mr. Brainwash made a name for himself in the street art world. In 2009, he designed the cover for Madonna’s Celebration album. Mr. Brainwash’s art is a combination of pop imagery and contemporary cultural icons, leading to a pop graffiti street art aesthetic.

Mr. Brainwash currently lives and works in Los Angeles.