Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Shanghai Vanity (II)
Summary
Shanghai Vanity (II) is a 2007 Faile varied edition of 12, executed in acrylic and silkscreen on Lenox 100 paper at 25 x 38 inches. The (II) variant designation and the East-Asian-referencing title reflect Faile's global visual sourcing, layering their pulp-collage graphics into a large vertical composition. Signed, stamped, and numbered.
Why It Matters
Shanghai Vanity draws on the collective's magpie appropriation of imagery from across cultures, a hallmark of their aesthetic. Printed on Lenox 100 — a heavier printmaking stock — the (II) variant sits within a series that explores the same composition across configurations, giving the run internal variety.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 12 keeps this scarce. Collectors note the Lenox 100 substrate, which differs from the watercolor paper Faile used on other 2007 editions, and the variant number that places it within the Shanghai Vanity series. Hand-finishing means each of the twelve sheets carries its own character.
Historical Context
In 2007 Faile pulled numerous large editions on both watercolor and Lenox stocks, and the Shanghai Vanity works exemplify their interest in exotic and cosmopolitan references. The collective's willingness to reissue compositions as numbered variants gave collectors multiple entry points into a single image.
FAQ
What paper is it printed on?
Shanghai Vanity (II) is printed on Lenox 100, a heavier printmaking stock than the watercolor paper used on some other 2007 Faile editions.
What is the edition size?
It is a varied edition of 12, hand-finished in acrylic and silkscreen, signed, stamped, and numbered.
What does the title reference?
The Shanghai reference reflects Faile's global visual sourcing, drawing imagery from across cultures into their collage language.
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.