Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
Untitled
Summary
This 2014 Untitled work is a hand-painted multiple in an edition of 30, combining screen print with hand finishing at roughly 24 x 25 inches. Each impression is individually hand-painted, meaning no two are identical. The screen-print base plus aerosol or paint overlay places it in Cope2's more labor-intensive, unique-per-piece output.
Why It Matters
Hand-painted multiples occupy a coveted middle ground between reproducible prints and one-of-a-kind works. By adding individual paint to each of 30 screen prints, Cope2 gives every buyer a distinct object while preserving a coherent series, a format collectors often value above straight edition prints.
Collector Perspective
With only 30 examples and hand painting on each, this sits in a scarcer, higher-craft tier. The unique treatment per piece means condition and the specific hand-finish matter to value. Confirm signature and numbering, and inspect the painted layer closely, since variation is intrinsic rather than a flaw.
Historical Context
Produced in 2014, this untitled multiple reflects Cope2's studio-era embrace of hybrid techniques, layering hand aerosol over screen printing. The approach mirrors how street writers translated the immediacy of spray paint into collectible formats without surrendering the handmade mark that defines graffiti.
FAQ
Is each piece the same?
No. Each of the 30 is individually hand-painted over a screen-print base, so every impression differs.
What techniques are combined?
It merges screen printing with hand finishing and hand painting, making it a mixed-media multiple rather than a flat print.
How scarce is it?
The edition is 30, tighter than most of Cope2's flat-print releases.
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.