Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
Pink And Smooth
Summary
Pink and Smooth, a 2016 limited edition of 50, presents a 24 x 24 inch sheet with a 20 x 20 inch image, hand-signed by Cope2. The title telegraphs its palette and finish, a softer, more decorative register than his high-contrast street work, delivered at a generous square scale that fills a wall.
Why It Matters
Cope2's studio output shows him experimenting with color and mood beyond the raw two-tone throw-ups of his subway years. Pink and Smooth is a clear example of that range, proving a bomber's vocabulary can accommodate a gentler, more design-forward sensibility without losing its lettering backbone.
Collector Perspective
Edition of 50 and a large square format make this a solid decorative piece for collectors drawn to color over grit. The signature is confirmed by the source; verify numbering. Its accessible register may broaden appeal beyond hardcore graffiti collectors, though purists may prefer his rougher work.
Historical Context
Released in 2016, Pink and Smooth sits within Cope2's gallery-era catalog, a period in which he refined edition prints for a collector market. The softer palette reflects how veteran writers adapted their aesthetic for interior display while retaining the wildstyle roots of the 1980s.
FAQ
What is the image size versus the print size?
The full print measures 24 x 24 inches, with the printed image at 20 x 20 inches, leaving a border.
Is it signed?
Yes, the source confirms it is signed by the artist. Verify the accompanying edition number.
How does it differ from his street work?
The soft pink palette and smooth finish mark a more decorative, color-driven direction than his high-contrast subway throw-ups.
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.