Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Wrong End Of The Rainbow (First edition)
Summary
Wrong End Of The Rainbow is a varied-edition print of 22, executed in acrylic and silkscreen ink on Lenox 100 paper at 25 x 38 inches. Signed, stamped, and numbered in 2009, each sheet is hand-finished, making this one of the tightest Faile runs from the period.
Why It Matters
An edition of just 22 places this among the scarcer hand-painted Faile prints. The wry, inverted title and the individual painterly treatment on each sheet give the run a distinctive personality, rewarding collectors who value the duo's most labor-intensive, least reproducible output.
Collector Perspective
With only 22 hand-finished copies, availability is limited and each example's specific acrylic work shapes its appeal. Confirm the 2009 signature, stamp, and number, and examine the heavily layered passages on the 25 x 38 sheet for any flaking or adhesion issues before acquiring.
Historical Context
Signed 2009, Wrong End Of The Rainbow sits within Faile's late-decade series of small varied editions on Lenox 100. Its acrylic-over-silkscreen construction mirrors the hand-built studio process the duo relied on to produce deliberately individualized runs during these years.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
The edition is 22, among the smaller Faile runs of the period.
Why are the prints not identical?
It is a varied edition, meaning each sheet is individually hand-finished.
When was it signed?
It is signed, stamped, and numbered 2009.
What paper was used?
Lenox 100 paper, at 25 x 38 inches.
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.