Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
Obey X Cope2 Takeover
Summary
Obey X Cope2 Takeover, from 2013, is an offset lithograph at 24 x 18 inches in a large edition of 300, produced through Shepard Fairey's Obey collaboration. The accompanying text, written from Fairey's perspective, recounts encountering Cope2's all-city work in the early 1990s. It is the most widely distributed piece in this group.
Why It Matters
A collaboration between Cope2 and Shepard Fairey unites two pillars of street and graffiti culture, lending the print crossover appeal to collectors of both artists. Fairey's documented admiration frames Cope2 as a formative influence, giving the Takeover cultural weight beyond its accessible offset format.
Collector Perspective
At 300 copies in offset lithograph, this is the most common and affordable piece here, a strong entry point for collectors of either artist. The Obey collaboration and dual-artist appeal support demand. Confirm signature status and numbering; the larger run means condition and edition completeness drive value at this tier.
Historical Context
Released in 2013 through Obey, this print formalizes a mutual respect Fairey traces to the early 1990s, when Cope2's pieces blanketed the Bronx, downtown, and Brooklyn. It documents the moment street art's poster tradition intersected with New York's subway-graffiti lineage.
FAQ
Who collaborated on this print?
It is an Obey X Cope2 release, pairing Cope2 with Shepard Fairey's Obey label.
How large is the edition?
The edition is 300 offset lithographs, the largest and most accessible run in this group.
What does the accompanying text say?
Written from Fairey's viewpoint, it recalls first encountering Cope2's all-city work in the early 1990s.
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.