Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Shanghai Street Mao (Pretty In Pink)
Summary
"Shanghai Street Mao (Pretty In Pink)" is a 2006 signed Faile silkscreen on archival 140 lb watercolor paper, measuring 18 x 24 inches in an edition of 10. Part of Faile's Shanghai Street portrait series, it renders a Mao image in a pink treatment, merging political iconography with Faile's pop-collage sensibility.
Why It Matters
The Mao subject connects Faile to a long lineage of Pop appropriations of political portraiture, while the pink colorway and street-poster framing make it distinctly their own. At an edition of 10 on heavyweight archival watercolor paper, it is both scarce and physically substantial for a print of its size.
Collector Perspective
Confirm the piece is hand-signed by Faile and that it is the pink variant, as the Shanghai Street series spans multiple subjects and colorways. The 140 lb watercolor stock resists cockling but can show handling; prioritize flat, clean impressions with a legible signature and an in-range edition number.
Historical Context
Faile's Shanghai Street works drew on the visual language of East Asian street advertising and propaganda imagery the collective encountered in their travels and source material. Produced in 2006, the series reflects the studio's broader practice of sampling global street ephemera and recasting recognizable political icons through a graphic, poster-derived lens.
FAQ
Is this print signed?
Yes, it is signed by Faile and dated 2006.
What paper is it printed on?
Archival 140 lb watercolor paper, a heavyweight stock, at 18 x 24 inches.
How many were made?
The edition is 10, placing it among Faile's smaller silkscreen runs.
What is the "Pretty In Pink" reference?
It designates the pink colorway of the Shanghai Street Mao composition, distinguishing it from other treatments in the series.
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.