Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Sexy Ads (In Brown)
Summary
Sexy Ads (In Brown) is a varied-edition print of 12 in acrylic and silkscreen on Lenox 100 paper, measuring 25 x 38 inches. Signed, stamped, and numbered by Faile in 2007, it is a brown-toned iteration of the duo's signature Sexy Ads theme, hand-finished on every sheet.
Why It Matters
The Sexy Ads motif is a cornerstone of Faile's identity, drawing on vintage advertising and pulp romance. This brown colorway with an edition of just 12 is a scarce, hand-worked variant of that foundational theme, making it a meaningful acquisition for collectors focused on the duo's core imagery.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 12 makes this genuinely scarce, and the varied-edition treatment means each copy differs. The brown colorway is a distinguishing feature that appeals to collectors chasing Sexy Ads variants. Confirm the 2007 signing and numbering and assess the acrylic layers on the 25 x 38 sheet.
Historical Context
Faile's Sexy Ads series reworks the visual language of mid-century advertising into layered street-art collage. Signed 2007 and issued as a small colorway variant, Sexy Ads (In Brown) demonstrates how the duo produced tightly limited tonal variations of their most enduring theme.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
The edition is 12.
What makes this version distinct?
It is the brown colorway of Faile's Sexy Ads theme, hand-finished on each sheet.
When was it signed?
It is signed, stamped, and numbered by Faile in 2007.
What paper was used?
Lenox 100 paper, at 25 x 38 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.