Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Sub Rosa World
Summary
Sub Rosa World is a 2014 twenty-six-color silkscreen in an edition of 450, at 24 x 28 inches on 310gsm Coventry Rag with a deckle edge. Signed and stamped, its high color count packs dense layering into a compact format built on premium rag stock.
Why It Matters
Twenty-six colors is an ambitious build for a 24 x 28 inch sheet, giving Sub Rosa World unusual richness for its size. The title's 'sub rosa' — meaning in secret — suits FAILE's habit of embedding coded, layered narratives within its pulp-derived imagery.
Collector Perspective
Like its 2014 companions, the edition of 450 makes Sub Rosa World relatively available while retaining hand-pulled quality. The high color count is a standout feature at this scale, and the deckled Coventry Rag plus signed-and-stamped authentication anchor its collectibility.
Historical Context
Sub Rosa World sits within FAILE's 2014 screen-print output, a period of consistent premium editions on heavy rag paper. The dense color layering reflects the studio's technical confidence and its layered, secretive approach to narrative imagery.
FAQ
How many colors does Sub Rosa World use?
Twenty-six colors on 310gsm Coventry Rag.
What is the edition size and format?
Edition of 450, at 24 x 28 inches with a deckle edge.
How is it authenticated?
Signed and stamped by FAILE, 2014.
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.