Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
Classic Woodcut Throw-Up (Gold 35th Anniversary Edition)
Summary
This 2014 Gold 35th Anniversary Edition is a hand-finished multiple: aerosol on a laser-cut wood panel measuring 24 x 10 x 0.25 inches, in an edition of 35. It renders Cope2's classic throw-up in three dimensions, with each piece individually sprayed. The gold treatment and anniversary framing mark it as a milestone object rather than a flat print.
Why It Matters
Cope2's note ties this throw-up to a form handed down to him in 1982, rooting the object in graffiti lineage and personal history. Rendering that heritage tag as a hand-sprayed, laser-cut wood multiple bridges street authenticity and collectible craft, and the 35th anniversary framing underscores its commemorative weight.
Collector Perspective
Edition of 35, hand-finished aerosol, and a sculptural wood format make this a premium tier object well above his flat prints. The gold anniversary designation and individual spraying add uniqueness per piece. Confirm signature, edition number, and aerosol authenticity; the three-dimensional format demands careful condition assessment.
Historical Context
Released in 2014 to mark 35 years, this edition looks back to 1982, when Cope2 says the classic throw-up was handed down to him. That inheritance narrative connects the work to the earliest days of Bronx graffiti and the mentorship traditions that shaped the movement's founding generation.
FAQ
What makes this a multiple rather than a print?
It is aerosol hand-sprayed on laser-cut wood panels, so each of the 35 pieces is individually finished rather than mechanically printed.
What does the 35th anniversary mark?
It commemorates 35 years, referencing the 1982 origin of the classic throw-up Cope2 says was handed down to him.
Is each piece unique?
Each is individually hand-sprayed, so subtle variation is expected across the edition of 35.
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.