Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
A Happy Home
Summary
"A Happy Home" is a 2006 hand-finished Faile print combining acrylic and silkscreen ink on watercolor paper at 15 x 20 inches. Issued in an edition of only 8, it applies Faile's domestic-idyll and vintage-advertising vocabulary — the language of mid-century family imagery — through the studio's layered, hand-worked technique.
Why It Matters
An edition of 8 makes this one of Faile's rarest editions of the period. The acrylic hand-finishing renders each impression unique, and the "happy home" theme taps into the ironic nostalgia that runs through much of Faile's work, contrasting picture-perfect domesticity with the collective's grittier street roots.
Collector Perspective
With only 8 examples, individual condition carries outsized weight. Examine the acrylic layers closely for consistency and stability, verify the edition number, and confirm the smaller 15 x 20 inch format. Because the run is so tight, well-preserved impressions with strong hand-finishing are the ones worth pursuing.
Historical Context
Faile's mid-2000s output frequently mined vintage Americana and advertising imagery, reassembling it into new narratives. "A Happy Home" sits within this tradition, using the visual shorthand of idealized domestic life. Produced in 2006, it reflects the studio's transition from wheatpaste installations toward small, hand-finished gallery editions.
FAQ
Why is this edition notable?
At only 8 impressions, it is among Faile's smallest editions from 2006.
Is each print unique?
Yes — the acrylic hand-finishing over the silkscreen base means every impression varies.
What are the materials and size?
Acrylic and silkscreen ink on watercolor paper, measuring 15 x 20 inches.
What theme does it explore?
It draws on idealized domestic and vintage-advertising imagery characteristic of Faile's nostalgic, pop-collage approach.
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.