Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Couldn't Fight Temptation (On Green)
Summary
Couldn't Fight Temptation (On Green), also referenced as Sinful Pleasures on Green, is a 2008 hand-finished screen print in acrylic and silkscreen ink on Lenox 100 paper, 25 x 38 inches. From an edition of just 2, stamped, signed, and numbered Faile, it is one of the studio's rarest cataloged releases.
Why It Matters
An edition of 2 is about as scarce as a released Faile print gets, effectively making each example a near-unique object. The temptation-and-sin theme sits at the heart of the studio's confessional pulp language, and the green ground gives it a specific, hard-to-find colorway that collectors of the period actively pursue.
Collector Perspective
With only two examples in existence, this is a trophy-tier acquisition where provenance is paramount. Confirm the signature, stamp, and numbering carefully, and note the dual titling (Couldn't Fight Temptation / Sinful Pleasures) to avoid confusion with other releases. On a run this small, condition should be documented in detail.
Historical Context
Faile's 'sinful pleasures' and temptation imagery draws on religious guilt and pulp melodrama, recurring themes across the studio's 2008 output. Producing a work in an edition of only 2 reflects the duo's practice of releasing ultra-limited color experiments alongside their broader editions.
FAQ
How rare is this print?
Extremely rare, from an edition of only 2.
Why does it have two titles?
It is referenced as both Couldn't Fight Temptation (On Green) and Sinful Pleasures on Green, tied to the same green colorway.
What theme does it address?
Temptation and sin, central to Faile's confessional pulp iconography.
How is it authenticated?
Stamped, signed, and numbered Faile, dated 2008.
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.