Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
42 Street Station / Times Square (Blue)
Summary
"42 Street Station / Times Square (Blue)" is a 2017 hand-embellished 5-color screen print by Cope2, sized 28 x 20 inches on 370gsm Sirio Ultra Black fine art paper in an edition of 25. The hand embellishment means each print carries unique painted touches from the artist.
Why It Matters
Hand embellishment on a screen print makes every copy in the edition of 25 individually distinct, a significant step up in uniqueness from standard prints. Printing on Sirio Ultra Black stock lets the five colors and blue treatment read with dramatic contrast, and the Times Square subject names one of the most storied stations in the system.
Collector Perspective
Hand-embellished editions of only 25 sit at the higher end of Cope2's collectible print output, blending printmaking with unique painted intervention. The deep black substrate is a distinctive material choice. Confirm the embellishment and signature, and note the blue colorway that defines this specific variant.
Historical Context
The 42nd Street / Times Square station is a nerve center of the New York subway, and by naming it Cope2 anchors the print in the busiest heart of the network graffiti once colonized. The 2017 hand-embellished treatment elevates that subway homage into a near-unique object.
FAQ
What makes each print unique?
It is hand-embellished, so the artist adds unique painted touches to every copy in the edition.
What is the edition size?
An edition of 25.
What paper is it printed on?
370gsm Sirio Ultra Black fine art paper, a deep black stock.
What are the dimensions?
28 x 20 inches, in the blue colorway.
About the Artist
Cope2 (Fernando Carlo, born 1968 in the Bronx, New York) is a graffiti writer who began tagging New York City subway trains in the late 1970s. A veteran of the transit-era writing scene, he built his reputation through prolific throw-ups and bombing before transitioning to gallery work and canvases. His signature bubble-lettered tag has appeared worldwide, and he has collaborated with brands including Adidas, Time magazine, and Converse. Cope2 remains an active figure bridging old-school New York graffiti culture with the contemporary urban-art market.
Collecting Cope2 at Gauntlet Gallery
What should I look for when buying a Cope2 print?
Focus on hand-signed and numbered screen prints or giclees, ideally released through recognized publishers or the artist directly. Check the edition size, the pencil signature, and any embossed or blindstamp marks. Spray-painted originals on canvas or found objects command higher prices but require closer provenance review. At Gauntlet Gallery, each Cope2 piece is documented with its edition details and condition notes.
How is a Cope2 work authenticated?
Cope2 works are typically authenticated through the issuing publisher's certificate of authenticity, the hand signature, and traceable provenance from a gallery or the artist's studio. Because his tag has been widely imitated, matching a signed print to a documented edition is the most reliable path. Gauntlet Gallery pairs each work with its supporting documentation and does not claim any third-party authority the artist does not use.
What drives value in Cope2 works?
Value is driven by medium (unique spray-painted originals over open editions), edition scarcity, condition, and cultural significance tied to his subway-era history. Early or historically documented pieces and notable brand collaborations carry premiums. Signed, numbered, low-edition prints in excellent condition hold value best on the secondary market.