Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
New York City Subway Map II (Standard Edition)
Summary
The 2017 standard edition of New York City Subway Map II returns Cope2 to the surface that made his name. An archival pigment print on 290gsm Moab Rag, it lays his wildstyle lettering over the transit diagram that once carried his tags across the five boroughs. At 24 x 17 inches in an edition of 75, it is an accessible entry point into his print catalog.
Why It Matters
Few motifs bind an artist to his origin story as tightly as the subway map does for Cope2. The MTA was his gallery long before galleries were, and reclaiming the official map as a canvas closes a loop between vandalism and fine art. This second iteration signals the image resonated enough with collectors to warrant a return.
Collector Perspective
With 75 impressions and a modest original price point, this is a starter piece rather than a scarce trophy. Collectors should confirm hand-signing and numbering, and note the standard edition sits below any hand-embellished variant in desirability. The Moab Rag substrate and large format make it a strong wall piece for its tier.
Historical Context
Released in 2017, this print belongs to Cope2's mature studio period, decades removed from his 1980s Bronx bombing years. The subway map subject deliberately references that era of the transit system as an open-air canvas, a period romanticized in graffiti history yet aggressively policed by the MTA at the time.
FAQ
What distinguishes the standard edition from other versions?
The standard edition is the base run of 75 pigment prints. Hand-embellished variants, where Cope2 adds aerosol or paint by hand, are separate and scarcer.
Is this print signed?
Cope2 prints of this type are typically hand-signed and numbered. Always verify the pencil signature and edition fraction before purchase.
Why the subway map subject?
The New York City subway was Cope2's original canvas in the 1980s. Painting the official map reclaims the surface that once carried his tags.
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.