Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
A Countdown To Faile (Hits & Crashes) (Black)
Summary
A Countdown To Faile (Hits & Crashes) (Black) is a 2007 Faile print from an edition of 90, with half printed on a white background and half on black — this being the black variant. Notably, it was the free print Faile sent to customers who experienced order problems and did not receive a full PayPal refund, giving it an unusual origin story.
Why It Matters
This print is distinguished as much by its circumstances as its imagery: it was a goodwill gesture to affected customers rather than a standard studio release. That backstory makes it a curiosity within Faile's catalog. The black-background variant, roughly 45 impressions of the 90-piece edition, is one of two color states at 28.75 x 20 inches.
Collector Perspective
Collectors are drawn to the documented free-print origin, which ties specific impressions to a moment in Faile's customer relations. With the 90-piece edition split evenly between white and black backgrounds, the black variant accounts for roughly 45 sheets. The provenance narrative and the color state are the defining considerations for this piece.
Historical Context
The Hits & Crashes print captures the informal, artist-run character of Faile's early distribution, when order and refund hiccups were addressed directly with a free artwork. This anecdotal origin makes it a documented footnote in the collective's 2007 output and a talking point for collectors of Faile ephemera.
FAQ
Why was this print given away?
Faile sent it free to customers who had order problems and did not receive a full PayPal refund, making it a goodwill gesture rather than a standard release.
What is the difference between the black and white versions?
The edition of 90 was split evenly: half printed on a white background, half on black. This is the black-background variant, roughly 45 sheets.
What are the dimensions?
The print measures 28.75 x 20 inches, dated 2007.
About the Artist
FAILE is a Brooklyn-based artistic collaboration founded in 1999 by Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller. Known for a distinctive collage aesthetic that blends comic-book imagery, pulp advertising, religious iconography, and street-poster typography, FAILE built its reputation through wheat-pasted works and stencils in cities worldwide. The duo is celebrated for reviving printmaking and woodblock techniques, and for immersive installations such as their prayer-wheel and temple environments. Their work has been exhibited internationally, including projects with the New York City Ballet, bridging street practice and fine-art institutions.
Collecting Faile at Gauntlet Gallery
Which FAILE works are best to collect?
FAILE's signed, numbered silkscreen editions and their hand-finished wood and mixed-media pieces are the core of the market. Screenprints from their studio releases offer an accessible entry, while unique wooden "blocks" and painted works sit at the higher end. Gauntlet Gallery focuses on complete, well-preserved impressions with strong color registration.
How is a FAILE piece authenticated?
We sell FAILE works with documented studio provenance, backed by the edition's signature and numbering. Every piece is photographed as-is, including the signature, edition number, and any studio markings, so you can confirm details before purchase.
What makes one FAILE piece worth more?
Edition size, medium (unique wood pieces over open prints), iconic imagery, condition, and provenance from a known release all drive value. Hand-embellished and one-of-a-kind works consistently outperform standard editioned prints.