Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
The Agony And Ecstasy (In Shimmering Blue)
Summary
The Agony And Ecstasy (In Shimmering Blue) is a 2007 Faile varied edition of 18, combining acrylic, spraypaint, and silkscreen on archival 140 lb watercolor paper at 26 x 38.5 inches. The shimmering-blue colorway distinguishes this variant, and the addition of spraypaint gives each large sheet a street-derived, layered texture. Signed, stamped, and numbered.
Why It Matters
The inclusion of spraypaint alongside acrylic and silkscreen ties this piece directly to Faile's graffiti and street-art roots, adding a hand-sprayed dimension not present in their purely screen-printed works. The dramatic agony-and-ecstasy title reflects the collective's fondness for pulp-melodrama phrasing paired with bold graphic imagery.
Collector Perspective
At an edition of 18, this is scarce but slightly more available than Faile's smallest runs. The shimmering-blue colorway and spraypaint layering are the defining features collectors weigh, since the varied edition means each sheet's sprayed elements differ. The large 26 x 38.5 inch format makes condition and framing history relevant.
Historical Context
Faile's 2007 editions frequently blended silkscreen with hand-applied spraypaint, bridging their bill-posting origins and studio practice. The Agony And Ecstasy sits in this tradition, its named colorway reflecting the collective's habit of releasing the same composition across distinct palettes.
FAQ
What makes the shimmering-blue variant distinct?
It is a specific named colorway of the composition, released alongside other palette variants, each carrying a different tonal register.
Why does it include spraypaint?
Spraypaint connects the work to Faile's street-art roots, adding hand-applied texture over the acrylic and silkscreen layers.
How many were produced?
This is a varied edition of 18 on 140 lb watercolor paper, signed, stamped, and numbered, dated 2007.
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.