Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
Iconic Bubble
Summary
"Iconic Bubble" is a 2019 screen print by Cope2, produced as an 8-color screen print on 300gsm Somerset paper in an edition of 75 at 75 x 55 cm. Signed by the artist, it foregrounds the bubble-letter form that is central to Cope2's visual identity.
Why It Matters
As a genuine screen print rather than a giclee, this piece involves a hand-pulled printmaking process with eight distinct color layers, giving it material depth many of his digital editions lack. Somerset is a premier printmaking paper, and the bubble-letter subject sits at the core of Cope2's signature vocabulary.
Collector Perspective
Screen prints hold particular appeal for collectors who value process, and the 8-color build on Somerset marks this as a considered fine-art edition. The edition of 75 is moderate. Confirm the artist's signature, and note that the metric 75 x 55 cm sizing points to a European publishing context.
Historical Context
The bubble letter, rounded and inflated, is one of graffiti's foundational styles and a form Cope2 has made unmistakably his own over decades. "Iconic Bubble" distills that motif into a single studied statement, translating a street lettering tradition into a layered screen-printed edition.
FAQ
Is this a screen print or a giclee?
It is an 8-color screen print, a hand-pulled process, not a giclee.
What paper is it on?
300gsm Somerset paper, a premier printmaking stock.
What is the edition size?
An edition of 75, signed by the artist.
What are the dimensions?
75 x 55 cm.
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.