Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Seduction Of The Mask (In Blue)
Summary
Seduction Of The Mask (In Blue) is a 2008 hand-finished screen print, acrylic and silkscreen ink on Lenox 100 paper, at a wider 28.5 x 38 inches. From an edition of 4, it is stamped, numbered, and signed Faile. The blue treatment and masked imagery tie it to Faile's darker, more theatrical iconographic threads.
Why It Matters
The mask motif recurs across Faile's mythology of tigers, saints, and femmes fatales, and pairing it with a blue variant gives this work a distinct mood within that vocabulary. With only 4 examples, it sits in the studio's most exclusive tier, where each hand-finished sheet functions almost as a unique object.
Collector Perspective
At edition-of-4 scarcity, provenance and condition drive desirability. The larger 28.5-inch width means framing and storage require more care, and margins should be inspected on a sheet this size. Confirm the blue colorway against the studio's stamp and numbering, and treat any available example as a rare opportunity within the 2008 body of work.
Historical Context
Masks and veiled figures let Faile explore seduction and menace through appropriated imagery, a recurring theme in the studio's 2008 prints. The work reflects the duo's habit of releasing tightly limited color variants alongside broader editions, rewarding collectors who track the studio's release patterns closely.
FAQ
How rare is this print?
Only 4 were produced, placing it among Faile's smallest editions.
What size is it?
28.5 x 38 inches, slightly wider than the studio's standard 25-inch sheets.
What distinguishes the 'In Blue' version?
It is a blue colorway variant of the Seduction Of The Mask motif.
How is it authenticated?
Stamped, numbered, and signed Faile, dated 2008.
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.