Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Butterfly Girl (II)
Summary
"Butterfly Girl (II)" is a 2006 varied-edition Faile print of 12, combining acrylic and silkscreen on Lenox 100 paper at 25 x 35 inches. Stamped, numbered, and signed, it centers on Faile's recurring female figure motif paired with butterfly imagery, executed in the studio's layered pop-romance style.
Why It Matters
As a varied edition, each of the 12 impressions was individually hand-worked, so no two match — a hallmark of Faile's most collectible multiples. The butterfly-girl motif is part of the studio's core iconography, and the combination of stamp, number, and signature provides the full authentication markers collectors look for.
Collector Perspective
Because this is a varied edition, ask for images of the specific impression rather than a stock photo — the acrylic passes differ from copy to copy. Confirm all three markers (stamp, number, signature), verify the Lenox 100 stock, and note that the large 25 x 35 inch format rewards impressions with clean, undamaged margins.
Historical Context
Faile's female figures, often lifted from pulp and romance sources, recur across their 2000s editions as emblematic characters. The "II" designation indicates a continued or reworked composition within the series. Printed on Lenox 100 — a favored fine-art stock — in 2006, it reflects Faile's move toward archival, gallery-grade production.
FAQ
What is a varied edition?
It means each of the 12 impressions was hand-finished individually, making every one unique.
How is it authenticated?
It is stamped, numbered, and signed by Faile, dated 2006.
What paper and size?
Acrylic and silkscreen on Lenox 100 paper, 25 x 35 inches.
What does the "II" indicate?
It denotes this version within the Butterfly Girl composition series.
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.