Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Ganesha Torment (III)
Summary
Ganesha Torment (III) is a 2007 hand-finished varied-edition print of 12, in acrylic and silkscreen on archival 140 lb watercolor paper, 15 x 20 inches. Signed, stamped, and numbered by Faile, its title invokes the Hindu deity Ganesha, extending the studio's cross-cultural religious iconography.
Why It Matters
By reaching beyond Western Catholic imagery to Hindu iconography, Ganesha Torment shows the breadth of Faile's engagement with religious symbolism. The (III) iteration signals a developed motif, and the varied edition of 12 means each example is individually worked. It is a compact, thematically distinctive entry in the 2007 catalog.
Collector Perspective
This work appeals to collectors interested in Faile's global iconographic reach. Its smaller 15 x 20 format frames easily, and the watercolor-paper support should be noted for condition purposes. As a varied edition, confirm your example's specific variation, and verify the signature, stamp, and numbering within the run of 12.
Historical Context
Faile's iconography spans Catholic saints, pulp femmes, and, here, Hindu deity imagery, reflecting the studio's magpie approach to sacred visual sources. Produced in 2007, Ganesha Torment demonstrates how the duo recontextualized devotional figures from multiple traditions within a single collage-driven practice.
FAQ
Who is depicted?
The work invokes Ganesha, a Hindu deity, extending Faile's religious iconography beyond Western sources.
What is the format?
A compact 15 x 20 inches on archival watercolor paper.
How many were made?
A varied edition of 12, each hand-finished.
What iteration is this?
The third (III) in the Ganesha Torment motif, signed 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.