Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Mao (III)
Summary
"Mao (III)" is a 2006 Faile varied-edition print of just 6, combining acrylic and silkscreen on Lenox 100 paper at 18 x 24 inches. Signed, stamped, and numbered, it revisits the Mao portrait subject within Faile's practice of appropriating political iconography through a graphic, hand-finished lens.
Why It Matters
An edition of 6 is among the smallest Faile ever issued, and the varied-edition format means each impression is individually unique. The Mao subject situates the work within the Pop-art tradition of political-portrait appropriation, while the tiny run and full authentication markers make it a genuine rarity for focused collectors.
Collector Perspective
With only 6 impressions, this is a piece where availability alone is exceptional. Confirm all three markers — signature, stamp, and number — and study the acrylic hand-finishing, which distinguishes each copy. The Lenox 100 stock and 18 x 24 inch size should be verified; prioritize impressions in pristine condition given the run's scarcity.
Historical Context
The "III" designation places this among Faile's Mao variations, part of a broader body of work sampling political portraiture. Faile's Mao pieces echo Pop appropriations of the same subject while filtering it through their street-derived collage aesthetic. Produced in 2006 on archival stock, it reflects the studio's small-run, hand-finished gallery editions.
FAQ
How rare is this edition?
It is a varied edition of only 6, one of Faile's smallest runs.
Is each impression the same?
No — as a varied edition, each of the 6 was hand-finished individually and differs.
How is it signed?
It is signed, stamped, and numbered by Faile, dated 2006.
What are the materials?
Acrylic and silkscreen on Lenox 100 paper, measuring 18 x 24 inches.
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.