Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Substrata
Summary
Substrata (2021) is a giclée print on heavy archival cold press cotton rag, 300 g/m2, at a large 100 x 80 cm. Signed and numbered in an edition of 200 with 20 APs, it renders a Vhils portrait through fine-art digital printing on premium textured cotton stock, offering his imagery at substantial scale.
Why It Matters
The giclée format on cotton rag prioritises tonal subtlety and archival stability, allowing a richly detailed rendering of Vhils's layered portraiture. The title Substrata evokes the geological and archaeological metaphors central to his work, the idea of imagery buried in layers, here expressed through high-resolution printing on textured fine-art paper at a large format.
Collector Perspective
At 200 plus 20 APs and 100 x 80 cm, Substrata gives collectors a large, wall-commanding Vhils image on museum-grade cotton rag. Giclée on cotton is stable and archival when framed with UV glazing. It is a relatively accessible way to own a big-format work; the cold press texture adds tactile richness that flat digital prints lack.
Historical Context
Giclée printing on cotton rag became a fine-art standard in the 2000s and 2010s for its longevity and colour depth, widely adopted by contemporary artists for large editions. Cold press cotton rag, with its textured surface, is prized for archival work. Substrata reflects Vhils's use of high-quality digital printing alongside his handmade and sculptural output.
FAQ
What is the medium of Substrata?
A giclée print on heavy archival cold press cotton rag paper, 300 g/m2.
What is the edition size?
Edition of 200, plus 20 artist's proofs, signed and numbered.
How large is it?
A substantial 100 x 80 cm.
Is giclée archival?
Yes; giclée on cotton rag is a museum-grade process, stable and long-lasting when properly framed.
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.