Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Fragments Of Faile Part 1 (Signed)
Summary
"Fragments Of Faile Part 1 (Signed)" is a hand-pulled screen print from FAILE's 2011 Fragments of Faile exhibition, measuring 79 x 57 cm. Though issued as an unlimited edition available during the show's run, only the first 50 copies distributed at the opening were signed, making the signed tier the collectible one.
Why It Matters
The signed distinction is everything here: while the print was otherwise unlimited, only 50 signed copies exist, creating a genuinely scarce subset within an open edition. Tied directly to the Fragments of Faile exhibition, the signed version carries both event provenance and the hand-pulled quality that separates it from the broader unsigned run.
Collector Perspective
Collectors focus sharply on the signature, since it defines the scarce 50-copy tier against an otherwise unlimited run. Verifying the FAILE signature is the single most important authentication step. Event provenance from the exhibition opening strengthens an example, and because the unsigned version is common, the signed copies command the collector premium.
Historical Context
The Fragments of Faile exhibition opened on 3 November 2011 and ran through year-end, with this hand-pulled print available throughout. FAILE's decision to sign only the first 50 opening copies created a deliberate collectible tier, a common gallery strategy that rewards early, in-person acquisition and anchors provenance to the show itself.
FAQ
What makes the signed version special?
Only the first 50 copies available at the exhibition opening were signed, within an otherwise unlimited edition.
When was it released?
It was available from the Fragments of Faile opening on 3 November 2011 through 31 December 2011.
How was it printed?
It is a hand-pulled screen print.
What are its dimensions?
It measures 79 x 57 cm.
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.