Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Scuba Horse (Sculpture) (Bronze)
Summary
Scuba Horse is a cast bronze sculpture in an edition of 10, measuring roughly 12.25 x 11.5 x 9 inches. Jewelry-cast in bronze, the edition was released in two halves: the first five in December 2009, with the remaining statues issued in March 2011 to complete the run.
Why It Matters
Scuba Horse is among Faile's more ambitious three-dimensional works, translating their playful iconography into a substantial jewelry-cast bronze. The staggered two-part release across 2009 and 2011 gives the edition a distinctive production history and underscores the duo's serious investment in sculpture during this period.
Collector Perspective
With only 10 in the full edition, Scuba Horse is very scarce, and the sizable format makes it a centerpiece object rather than a shelf piece. Collectors should confirm numbering within the edition of 10 and verify provenance, given the two separate release waves that completed the run.
Historical Context
Faile's sculptural output expanded around 2009 to 2011, and Scuba Horse exemplifies that push with its jewelry-cast bronze construction. Splitting the edition between a December 2009 first half and a 2011 completion reflects the multi-year timeline typical of the duo's more involved bronze projects.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
The full edition is 10 bronze statues.
Why were they released in two waves?
The first half came out in December 2009 and the remaining statues followed in March 2011.
What material is it?
Jewelry-cast bronze.
How large is it?
Approximately 12.25 x 11.5 x 9 inches, a substantial sculptural scale.
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.