Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
Rise To The Occasion
Summary
"Rise to the Occasion" is a 2011 archival pigment print by Cope2, one of the Bronx's most recognized graffiti writers. Measuring 17 x 22 inches on 300gsm cotton paper, it belongs to a tight first edition of 30, supplemented by 10 artist proofs and 5 printer proofs. Each impression is hand-signed and numbered by the artist.
Why It Matters
This print translates Cope2's aerosol vocabulary into a fine-art format collectors can frame and preserve. Hand-signing and numbering across a run of only 30 give it clear studio authority, while the archival cotton substrate signals that Cope2 was consciously courting the print-collecting audience rather than simply reproducing wall work.
Collector Perspective
For collectors, the appeal lies in the small edition and complete artist attention: signed, numbered, and printed to archival standards. The 17 x 22 sheet is a comfortable framing size for a home or office. With only 30 numbered impressions plus proofs, availability is genuinely limited, and provenance is best confirmed through the pencil signature and edition number.
Historical Context
Cope2 (Fernando Carlo) emerged in the early 1980s writing on New York subway lines before transitioning to canvas and editioned prints in the 2000s. "Rise to the Occasion" sits within that later studio phase, when Bronx-rooted writers began issuing collectible giclees. The 2011 date places it among his mature print output aimed at the gallery market.
FAQ
How large is the edition?
The main edition is 30, accompanied by 10 artist proofs and 5 printer proofs, for a small overall run.
Is the print signed?
Yes. Each impression is hand-signed and numbered by Cope2, typically in pencil.
What is it printed on?
It is an archival pigment (giclee) print on 300gsm cotton paper, measuring 17 x 22 inches.
Does it come with third-party authentication?
Authentication rests on the artist's own hand-signature and edition numbering; no external certifying body is claimed here.
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.