Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
Obey X Cope2 x Cooper (First edition)
Summary
This 2011 screen print is a three-way collaboration signed by Shepard Fairey, COPE2, and Martha Cooper. Released on April 21, 2011 at 18 x 24 inches in a numbered edition of 450, it merges Fairey's OBEY graphic language, COPE2's Bronx graffiti pedigree, and Cooper's documentary photography into a single triple-signed sheet.
Why It Matters
Triple-signed collaborations across a poster artist, a graffiti writer, and a documentary photographer are uncommon and highly collectible. Three recognizable names on one 450-edition screen print broadens its audience considerably. The piece captures a specific moment when Fairey's OBEY platform actively cross-pollinated with graffiti and photography figures Cooper had long documented.
Collector Perspective
Verify all three signatures and the edition number within the run of 450, as multi-signature prints are occasionally offered incomplete or misdescribed. Original release was affordable with a one-per-household limit, meaning many entered private hands directly. Condition, flatness, and clean margins on the 18 x 24 sheet are the primary factors collectors should assess.
Historical Context
Shepard Fairey's Subliminal Projects and OBEY frequently released collaborative prints in this era. COPE2 is a veteran Bronx writer active since the late 1970s, and Cooper photographed that generation of writers. The 2011 edition unites the aesthetic, the subculture, and the chronicler, reflecting how street art's histories converged in the print market.
FAQ
Who signed this print?
It is signed by Shepard Fairey, COPE2, and Martha Cooper.
What is the edition size?
It is a numbered edition of 450.
When was it released?
It was released on April 21, 2011, at a price of $60 with a limit of one per person or household.
What is the size and medium?
It is an 18 x 24 inch screen print.
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.