Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
Grind Hard
Summary
"Grind Hard" is a 2025 archival pigment print by Cope2, issued in a tight edition of 40 on 290gsm Moab Entrada cotton paper at a generous 27.5 x 24 inches. Hand signed and numbered by the artist, the piece translates the raw energy of Cope2's wildstyle lettering into a large-format collector print.
Why It Matters
The combination of scale, low edition size, and heavyweight cotton stock places this among the more ambitious Cope2 prints of its year. At 27.5 inches it commands wall presence, and the edition of 40 plus five artist proofs keeps the total run small, making it a substantive entry point into large-format work by the artist.
Collector Perspective
Collectors prioritizing physical impact will value the size here, which reads very differently than the small timed-edition prints Cope2 also releases. Confirm the pencil signature and numbering, and note the Moab Entrada cotton substrate, which is a durable archival choice. The AP designation on five copies means numbered examples remain the primary market.
Historical Context
Cope2 rose from the Bronx graffiti scene of the late 1970s and 1980s, building a reputation on bold bubble and wildstyle lettering. By 2025 his studio practice had matured into fine-art editions like this one, carrying the vocabulary of the train yards onto archival paper for the gallery and collector market.
FAQ
How large is this print?
It measures 27.5 x 24 inches, a large-format sheet that gives Cope2's lettering considerable wall presence.
How small is the edition?
The edition is 40, accompanied by five artist proofs, keeping the total run tight.
Is it signed?
Yes. It is hand signed and numbered by Cope2 in the tradition of his fine-art editions.
What paper is used?
It is printed on 290gsm Moab Entrada cotton paper, an archival cotton stock.
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.