Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
Deck'On Triptych
Summary
Deck'On Triptych, from 2012, is a set of three skate decks designed by Cope2, limited to 30 copies and spanning roughly 60 x 80 cm when displayed together. Hand-signed in the bottom right and laser-etched with the edition number 1 to 30, it merges skate culture with graffiti art in a functional, wall-ready object.
Why It Matters
Skate decks are a natural crossover surface for graffiti, and a triptych format lets Cope2's lettering flow across three boards as a single composition. The union of skate and street cultures broadens appeal beyond print collectors, while the laser-etched numbering adds a distinctive authentication touch.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 30 three-deck sets is genuinely scarce, and the object format sets it apart from flat prints. Completeness matters: all three decks must be present and matched. Confirm the hand signature and laser-etched number, and assess deck condition, since these are physical objects prone to handling wear.
Historical Context
Produced in 2012, the triptych reflects the long-standing overlap between skateboarding and graffiti as intertwined urban subcultures. Cope2's move onto decks mirrors how street artists expanded into functional collectibles, extending their imagery from walls to boards designed for both riding and display.
FAQ
How many decks are in the set?
It is a triptych of three skate decks that together measure roughly 60 x 80 cm.
How is it authenticated?
It is hand-signed in the bottom right and numbered 1 to 30 via laser etching on the front.
How scarce is it?
The edition is limited to 30 sets, making complete triptychs genuinely scarce.
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.