Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
Hit Panel (Standard Edition)
Summary
"Hit Panel" (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. The title uses graffiti slang, a "panel" being a piece painted on the side panel of a subway car, tying the work directly to train-writing tradition.
Why It Matters
The "panel" reference roots this print in the specific practice of painting subway car panels, a defining format of 1970s and 1980s New York graffiti. At an edition of 50 in a clean square format, it is a compact, terminology-rich piece that speaks to viewers fluent in the culture's language.
Collector Perspective
The 18 x 18 square suits gallery-style grouping and pairs naturally with "Building Strong" from the same 2018 edition size and format. As the Standard Edition of 50, it is a controlled run. Collectors drawn to graffiti terminology and train heritage will appreciate the direct "panel" reference.
Historical Context
Hitting a panel meant landing a piece on the coveted side surface of a subway car, prime real estate for visibility as trains ran the lines. Cope2 built his name in exactly this arena, and the 2018 print memorializes that ambition in a framed studio edition.
FAQ
What does "Hit Panel" mean?
A "panel" is a piece painted on a subway car's side panel; to "hit" one is to paint it, prime train-writing real estate.
What is the edition size?
A Standard Edition of 50.
What are the dimensions?
18 x 18 inches on 290gsm Moab fine art paper.
Is there a companion piece?
It matches "Building Strong" in year, format, and edition size.
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.