The Faile collective are one of the most popular and recognizable international producers of street-displayed artwork. Their allure has prompted an invitation to paint the exterior of London's Tate Modern gallery in May 2008. In 2007 their shows in London and New York sold out instantly, and inspired memorable, and widely-reported, scenes amongst would-be buyers that were considerably uglier than Faile's charming and eye-catching art.
Eliminating the problem of painting of walls whilst keeping one eye out for the authorities by simply slapping the finished art up as a flyposter, Faile's tremedously appealing work graces brick surfaces across the world. Lacking in aggression, perhaps, but certainly not passion, the pieces here testify that the real power of Americana is that it can always be appropriated and enjoyed on one's own terms.
Faile have produced four books featuring art and writing, the most recent of which, Lavender, was released in 2005.
They are the nice guys of the graffiti world, and like all nice guys they will win in the end.
This Thursday evening gone, we welcomed back FAILE to our flagship gallery on Rathbone Place. Fans queued to purchase signed show poster prints and friends lingered well into the evening musing over the latest body of work. Showcasing a mixture of works on wood, book covers and brand-spanking new canvases, 'Fragments of Faile' is certainly not to be missed so make sure you swing by before the 3rd December.
