Luxury cruising meets luxurious living Banksy art piece Mr. Brainwash. Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth has received a magnificent mural by pop artist Mr. Brainwash. This art world heavyweight, also known as Thierry Guetta, debuted his creation on August 22nd at an exclusive ceremony held in the ship’s Garden Lounge in Los Angeles.
The piece was made with a nostalgic blend of Cunard marketing posters from the booming 1920s. However, in keeping with Mr. Brainwash’s varied aesthetic, the piece was given a modern twist when the artist added his own graffiti signature during the event. This seamless blend of classic and contemporary pays homage to both Cunard’s illustrious history and the dynamic flair of modern art.
The one-of-a-kind “Cunard x Mr. Brainwash” exhibit is created in conjunction with Clarendon Fine Art, Mr. Brainwash’s UK representative since 2020. Clarendon Fine Art Gallery have been included throughout Cunard’s luxury fleet due to their longstanding relationship.
The mural, however, is not the end of the art. Guests on board Queen Elizabeth will be able to purchase three limited versions, one for each of the three Cunard Queens. The limited edition prints are a small collectors piece for the Mr. Brainwash fan, but a near unique chance for Cunard followers to have something truly unique.
This collaboration aligns with Queen Elizabeth’s art-focused Pacific Coastal voyage, starting from Vancouver and concluding in Los Angeles. Guests have been treated to Mr. Brainwash-centric seminars and a screening of the riveting ‘Exit Through the Gift shop’, a Banksy documentary featuring the artist. An extensive collection of his original works and limited editions was also displayed on the ship.
Mr. Brainwash’s reputation in the art world is hard to ignore. From a record-breaking portrait of King Charles III to pieces gracing private collections of illustrious personalities like Barack Obama, Rihanna, and Lionel Richie, his reach is undeniably vast. His philanthropic endeavors further include collaborations with Pope Francis and the Dalai Lama.
Katie McAlister, Cunard’s President, expressed pride over the collaboration. He acknowledging the enriching experience Mr. Brainwash’s masterpiece offers their guests. Guetta, ecstatic about merging his art with Cunard’s timeless appeal, expressed, “This piece holds massive significance…it marks something that will inspire for generations.”
Helen Swaby, CEO of Clarendon Fine Art, accentuated the positive impact of Mr. Brainwash’s art, especially in these trying times, highlighting the monumental step this mural signifies in his illustrious career.
Street Art, as it turns out, knows no borders – not even the vast expanse of the seas.