Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Abracadabra (Black)
Summary
Abracadabra (Black) is a 2022 hand-pulled screen print in an edition of 100, self-released by Cleon Peterson. At 12 x 22 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges, the black colorway distills Peterson's confrontational imagery into stark, high-contrast form. Each print is signed and numbered by the artist.
Why It Matters
The title's incantatory word play hints at illusion and manipulation, themes Peterson often layers beneath his depictions of force. The black colorway strips the composition to its graphic essentials, foregrounding silhouette and gesture. An edition of 100 places it in the more accessible tier of his self-released catalog.
Collector Perspective
The compact 12 x 22 inch format suits collectors with limited wall space or those assembling a grouping of Peterson works. The monochrome black treatment reads with maximum graphic punch and frames cleanly against bone paper. Signed and numbered directly by the artist, it carries the straightforward provenance of a self-release.
Historical Context
Peterson built his reputation on reducing scenes of conflict to two-tone silhouette, a strategy that turns individual violence into universal parable. Titles like Abracadabra add a layer of irony, framing brutality as sleight of hand. This 2022 self-release reflects his ongoing independence from traditional print publishers.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
The edition is limited to 100 hand-pulled screen prints, each signed and numbered.
What are the dimensions?
The print measures 12 x 22 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
Is this a one-color print?
This is the Black colorway, rendered in Peterson's high-contrast graphic style.
Who published it?
It was self-released by Cleon Peterson in 2022.
About the Artist
Cleon Peterson (born 1973, Seattle) is an American artist known for stark, high-contrast compositions depicting scenes of violence, power, and social conflict. Working primarily in a limited palette — often black on a single bold ground — he renders chaotic tableaux of figures locked in struggle, exploring themes of authority, brutality, and moral disorder in contemporary society. His graphic, almost hieroglyphic style has appeared in paintings, murals, and a substantial catalogue of signed prints, as well as collaborations spanning fashion and public art. He is based in Los Angeles.
Collecting Cleon Peterson at Gauntlet Gallery
Which Cleon Peterson works should I collect?
His signed, numbered screenprints are the core of the market, prized for their bold duotone impact. Look for clean registration and strong condition. Gauntlet Gallery prioritizes complete, well-preserved impressions with documentation.
How is a Cleon Peterson piece authenticated?
We sell his works with documented provenance and the edition's signature and numbering. Each piece is photographed as-is, including signature and edition details, so you can verify before purchase.
What drives value?
Edition size, image iconicity, color scheme, condition, and provenance drive value. Low-numbered, large-format, and hand-embellished works command the strongest premiums.