Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
NYC Subway Map VII
Summary
"NYC Subway Map VII" is a 2023 first-edition giclee by Cope2, released January 5, 2023 in a run of 35 at 14 x 19 inches on 290gsm Moab Entrada fine art paper. As the seventh entry in his subway-map series, it applies Cope2's tags and lettering directly over the transit map format.
Why It Matters
The subway-map series is one of Cope2's signature bodies of work, layering his hand over the iconic New York transit diagram. At an edition of 35, this is one of the tighter runs among his map prints, giving series collectors a scarcer numbered entry to pursue.
Collector Perspective
Series completists value the roman-numeral sequencing, and "VII" slots into an ongoing progression worth tracking across releases. The edition of 35 is notably small, which matters for scarcity-minded buyers. The 14 x 19 orientation frames cleanly and reads instantly as part of the map lineage.
Historical Context
The New York City subway map is a design landmark, and graffiti's history is inseparable from the trains it once covered. By painting over the map itself, Cope2 collapses the surface and the system into one image, honoring the network that carried early graffiti across the five boroughs.
FAQ
Where does this fall in the series?
It is the seventh entry, "VII," in Cope2's ongoing NYC Subway Map series.
How large is the edition?
A run of 35, one of the tighter editions among his map prints.
When was it released?
January 5, 2023.
What are the dimensions?
14 x 19 inches on 290gsm Moab Entrada 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.