Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
New York City Subway Map
Summary
The original New York City Subway Map, from 2014, is a 17 x 24 inch archival pigment print on 310gsm fine art paper in an edition of 75. Cope2's note describes it as a print made from an original subway map piece he created and collaborated on, translating a physical map-based work into an accessible edition.
Why It Matters
This is the founding image of Cope2's subway map series, preceding the 2017 second version. Building a print from an actual painted map connects the edition directly to a unique original and to the transit system that launched his career, giving the piece unusual documentary and biographical depth.
Collector Perspective
As the first subway map release and priced accessibly, this print carries series-origin significance that later versions echo. Edition of 75 keeps it available. Collectors valuing the lineage may prefer this original over the sequel. Confirm signature and numbering, and note its status as the foundational image of the motif.
Historical Context
Released in 2014, this print draws directly on the New York City subway, the surface where Cope2 built his 1980s reputation. Using the official map as source material reclaims a bureaucratic document from the very system that spent decades trying to erase graffiti from its trains.
FAQ
Is this the first subway map print?
Yes. This 2014 release is the original; a second version followed in 2017.
What was the source image?
Cope2 notes it derives from an original subway map piece he created and collaborated on.
How large is the edition?
It is an edition of 75 on 310gsm fine art paper.
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.