Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Wonder Wheel 250 (First Edition)
Summary
Wonder Wheel 250 is a 2018 FAILE hand-painted varied edition of 250, made with acrylic and silkscreen ink on heavyweight archival deckled paper at 19.5 x 25 inches. Each impression is signed, stamped, and embossed. Despite the larger run, the hand-painted element introduces variation across the edition.
Why It Matters
Wonder Wheel 250 demonstrates FAILE applying hand-painting at edition scale, with 250 impressions each receiving individual acrylic work over a silkscreen base. The result is an accessible price point that still delivers a measure of the uniqueness usually reserved for the studio's smaller varied editions, bridging their affordable and premium tiers.
Collector Perspective
At $295 for a hand-touched varied edition, Wonder Wheel 250 offers strong value for entry-level FAILE collecting. Because each impression carries some hand-painted variation, buyers should compare the specific example's palette. The deckled edge and full signed-stamped-embossed authentication are the key markers to confirm.
Historical Context
Wonder Wheel references the iconic Coney Island landmark, tying the piece to FAILE's Brooklyn identity and Americana imagery. The larger varied edition format reflects the studio's 2018 strategy of extending hand-finishing to more accessible releases while preserving individual character across the run.
FAQ
Is Wonder Wheel 250 hand-painted?
Yes. It is a hand-painted varied edition of 250, with individual acrylic work applied over the silkscreen base on each impression.
What does the title reference?
The Wonder Wheel is the historic Coney Island Ferris wheel, connecting the piece to FAILE's Brooklyn and Americana imagery.
What paper is used?
Heavyweight archival paper with a deckled edge, and each sheet is signed, stamped, and embossed.
Why the larger edition size?
At 250 impressions it is one of FAILE's more accessible varied editions, offering hand-painted character at an entry-level price.
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.