Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Faile Mermaid
Summary
"Faile Mermaid" is a 2006 varied-edition print of 8, combining silkscreen and mixed media on archival 100 lb Lenox paper at 25 x 38 inches. Signed by Faile, it features the studio's mermaid figure, drawn from pulp and fantasy imagery, executed in a large hand-worked format.
Why It Matters
An edition of 8 places this among Faile's scarcer mid-2000s editions, and the varied-edition, mixed-media construction makes each impression unique. The mermaid subject extends the studio's roster of pulp-derived female figures, and printing on archival Lenox stock at nearly three feet gives it a strong physical presence.
Collector Perspective
Because it is a varied edition of just 8, request impression-specific images to gauge the mixed-media surface. Confirm the Faile signature, the Lenox 100 archival stock, and the 25 x 38 inch dimensions. Prioritize impressions with vivid, stable mixed-media passes and clean margins, as scale and hand-finishing both influence desirability.
Historical Context
Faile's mermaid draws on the fantasy and pulp-fantasy imagery the collective habitually sampled and reassembled. Produced in 2006 on archival Lenox paper, the work sits alongside the studio's other hand-finished female-figure editions, reflecting their move toward larger, gallery-grade multiples that retain the collaged energy of their street origins.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
It is a varied edition of 8, with each impression individually finished.
What paper and dimensions?
Archival 100 lb Lenox paper at 25 x 38 inches.
Is each impression unique?
Yes — the varied-edition mixed-media approach means no two copies are identical.
Is it signed?
Yes, it is signed by Faile and dated 2006.
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.