Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
The Mash
Summary
The Mash, a 2015 standard edition of 75, is a 16 x 24 inch archival pigment print on 310gsm fine art paper. Cope2's note dates the underlying work to late 2014, made in his studio while listening to music. The composition reads as a dense, layered blend of his lettering, true to its title.
Why It Matters
The Mash captures Cope2's studio practice as an improvisational, music-fueled process, a departure from the fast, risk-driven execution of illegal street work. That shift in creative conditions, documented in his own words, marks the maturation of a writer into a studio artist working on his own terms.
Collector Perspective
As a standard edition of 75 on quality 310gsm stock, this is an accessible catalog piece. The documented origin story and 2014 studio date add provenance context collectors appreciate. Verify the hand signature and numbering, and note the standard designation implies possible embellished or premium variants elsewhere.
Historical Context
Created in late 2014 and released in 2015, The Mash reflects Cope2's established studio period. The relaxed, music-driven creation he describes contrasts sharply with the adrenaline of 1980s subway bombing, illustrating how veteran writers rebuilt their craft inside the gallery system.
FAQ
When was the work actually made?
Cope2 notes the piece was made toward the end of 2014, though the print edition is dated 2015.
What is a standard edition here?
It is the base run of 75 prints; the wording suggests other variants may exist, so confirm which version you are buying.
What inspired the title?
The mash refers to the dense, blended layering of his lettering, created in the studio while listening to music.
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.