Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Bad Seed (III)
Summary
Bad Seed (III) is a 2008 hand-finished work in acrylic, spray paint, and silkscreen ink on Lenox 100 paper, in a smaller 19 x 25 inch format, from an edition of 29. Signed, stamped, and numbered Faile, it revisits the recurring Bad Seed femme-fatale character in a third iteration.
Why It Matters
The Bad Seed is a returning figure in Faile's cast, and numbered iterations let collectors follow a character across releases. At 29 examples with a compact 19 x 25 format, this is one of the more accessible entry points into the studio's hand-finished spray-paint editions, without sacrificing the unique-surface appeal.
Collector Perspective
The larger edition of 29 and smaller sheet size make this a friendlier acquisition for newer Faile collectors. Spray paint still ensures each example varies, so inspect the stencil and painted passages. Confirm signature, stamp, and numbering, and note the (III) designation to place it correctly within the Bad Seed sequence.
Historical Context
Faile's recurring femmes fatales, including the Bad Seed, draw on pulp and noir archetypes reworked through street-art technique. The spray-paint layering in this 2008 iteration keeps the work tied to the duo's wall practice even as it circulates as a collectible edition.
FAQ
Who is the Bad Seed?
A recurring femme-fatale character in Faile's iconography, here in a third iteration.
What size is this print?
A compact 19 x 25 inches, smaller than the studio's standard sheets.
How many were made?
An edition of 29, hand-finished with spray paint and silkscreen.
Is it a good entry point?
Its larger edition and smaller format make it relatively accessible for newer collectors.
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.