Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Surgere Supra Bestias NYC (First Edition)
Summary
"Surgere Supra Bestias NYC" is a large-format 27-color silkscreen from an edition of 500, printed on 310 gsm Coventry Rag with a deckle edge and measuring 32 x 44 inches. Signed and dated FAILE 2013, its Latin title, roughly "to rise above the beasts," anchors an ambitious, densely layered composition.
Why It Matters
At 27 colors and 44 inches, this is one of FAILE's flagship large editions, a technical showcase of their print process. The premium Coventry Rag paper and deckle edge signal a considered, archival production. Its Latin, elevated title and scale position it as a statement piece within FAILE's 2013 body of work rather than a minor release.
Collector Perspective
The 27-color build is a genuine printmaking achievement and a talking point for collectors. Being signed and dated on heavyweight deckle-edge rag adds display and archival appeal. With 500 impressions it is more available than the hand-finished small editions, so condition, flatness, and clean margins become the differentiators buyers focus on.
Historical Context
FAILE's larger 2013 editions reflected the duo's growing command of complex multi-color screen printing, pushing the medium toward the density of their gallery paintings. The choice of Latin phrasing echoes the mock-heroic, quasi-religious iconography running through their catalog, framing everyday pulp imagery in elevated, monumental terms.
FAQ
How many colors does the print use?
It is a 27-color silkscreen, among FAILE's more elaborate print builds.
What paper is it printed on?
310 gsm Coventry Rag with a deckle edge, a heavyweight archival stock.
What does the title mean?
The Latin phrase translates roughly to "to rise above the beasts."
How large is the edition?
It is an edition of 500, signed and dated FAILE 2013.
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.