Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
Building Strong (Standard Edition)
Summary
"Building Strong" (Standard Edition) is a 2018 giclee by Cope2, printed on 290gsm Moab fine art paper at 18 x 18 inches in an edition of 50. It shares its square format and edition size with "Hit Panel" from the same year, forming a natural companion within Cope2's 2018 output.
Why It Matters
The matched 18 x 18 format and edition of 50 tie this closely to "Hit Panel," giving collectors a clear pairing. The title's declarative tone reflects the resilience narrative common to Cope2's messaging, and the compact square is well suited to grid-style hanging alongside its counterpart.
Collector Perspective
As a Standard Edition of 50 sharing dimensions with "Hit Panel," it is a straightforward pairing acquisition. The 18 x 18 size is easy to frame and group. Confirm the signature and numbering, standard for these editions, and treat the two 2018 prints as a coherent mini-set.
Historical Context
Cope2's practice pairs bold lettering with affirmative, resilience-minded titles, echoing the survivor ethos of a writer who came up in a demanding era of New York graffiti. Issued in 2018, "Building Strong" carries that spirit into a compact studio edition.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
A Standard Edition of 50.
What are the dimensions?
18 x 18 inches on 290gsm Moab fine art paper.
Does it have a companion print?
Yes. It matches "Hit Panel" in year, square format, and edition size.
Is it signed and numbered?
These Standard Edition prints are issued signed and numbered by the artist.
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.