Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Sinful Pleasures (In Purple)
Summary
"Sinful Pleasures (In Purple)" is a 2006 hand-finished screen print by the Brooklyn collective Faile, combining acrylic and silkscreen ink on paper at a substantial 25 x 35 inches. Issued in an edition of just 10, it belongs to Faile's mid-2000s vocabulary of pulp-romance imagery reworked with the group's signature layered, collaged aesthetic.
Why It Matters
With only 10 examples, this ranks among Faile's tightest early editions. The hand-finishing means each impression carries individual acrylic passes, so no two are identical. That combination of extreme scarcity and unique surface treatment separates it from Faile's larger open-run posters and places it firmly in the collectible original-multiple tier.
Collector Perspective
Collectors should treat the acrylic hand-finishing as the key variable: request detailed images of the painted layers, since condition and vibrancy of the acrylic drive desirability. Verify the purple colorway matches the title, confirm the number within the 10-piece run, and prioritize impressions with clean margins and no acrylic cracking or flaking.
Historical Context
By 2006 Faile — Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller — had moved from pure street work toward gallery editions that translated their wheatpaste layering into finished prints. The pulp-romance and "sinful pleasures" motifs reflect their fascination with vintage advertising and comic imagery, recontextualized as fine-art multiples during a formative period for the studio.
FAQ
How large is the edition?
It was issued in an edition of 10, one of Faile's smaller early runs, which contributes to its scarcity.
What does "hand finished" mean here?
Each impression received individual acrylic paint passes over the silkscreen base, so every example is unique rather than a uniform reproduction.
What are the dimensions and materials?
Acrylic and silkscreen ink on paper, measuring 25 x 35 inches.
Is the purple significant?
The colorway is named in the title, indicating this is the purple variant of the composition; matching the stated colorway matters for correct identification.
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.