Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Faile Mary
Summary
Faile Mary is a 2007 hand-finished varied-edition print of 11, in acrylic and silkscreen on archival 140 lb watercolor paper, 14 x 24 inches. Signed, stamped, and numbered by Faile, its title puns on 'Hail Mary,' fusing the studio's name with overt religious iconography.
Why It Matters
Faile Mary is a sharp example of the studio's habit of merging its own identity with sacred imagery, turning a devotional figure into a branded icon. The wordplay-driven title and Marian subject place it firmly in Faile's religious strand, while the varied edition of 11 ensures each example is individually worked.
Collector Perspective
Collectors of Faile's religious iconography will find this a pointed, thematically rich acquisition. The watercolor-paper support differs from the studio's usual Lenox stock, so note the substrate. As a varied edition, examples differ; verify signature, stamp, and numbering, and confirm the specific variation within the run of 11.
Historical Context
Marian imagery and Catholic devotional sources recur across Faile's work, reflecting the duo's interest in the visual language of faith. The 'Faile Mary' pun, produced in 2007, exemplifies how the studio inserted its own name into borrowed iconography, making appropriation itself part of the subject.
FAQ
What is the title a play on?
It puns on 'Hail Mary,' merging Faile's name with Marian religious imagery.
What paper is it on?
Archival 140 lb watercolor paper, differing from the studio's usual Lenox stock.
How many exist?
A varied edition of 11, each hand-finished.
Is it signed?
Yes, signed, stamped, and numbered by Faile, 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.