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Local Street Artist Lands Madonna Album Cover

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Mr. Brainwash, aka MBW, is no stranger to Madonna (remember his Optical illusion mural of Britney and Madonna kissing?). Now one of his ubiquitous street poster works of the pop singer has been chosen as the album cover art for her "Celebration" album, due out on September 29th.

"The image being used for the cover is a remake of Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe print, signature of Mr. Brainwash, and will display a classic image of Madonna, first seen in 1990 on the pages of Bazaar Magazine," explains a blurb on the webpage of Guy Hepner Contemporary in West Hollywood. The gallery carries MBW works, but currently does not have this Madonna image.

Not all are fans of the choice. "Even the album art, designed by Mr. Brainwash, hearkens back to East Village street art. Though troublingly enough, it seems like imitation of street art, like the Urban Outfitters-ization of a Warholian prototype," says Blackbook Magazine. "It’s fine that the art visually places a notable emphasis on “Express Yourself” and “Vogue” over the travesties that would come much later; her body of work from the first 20 years of her career is nothing short of iconic."

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The album will carry Madonna's greatest hits plus, apparently, two new singles. One was produced by Madonna and Paul Oakenfold and will hit radio stations on August 3rd. The other one is expected to be the already leaked "Revolver" featuring rapper Lil Wayne.

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