Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Absolute Power
Summary
A large-format 34 x 26 inch screen print from 2018, hand-pulled in black and red and self-released in an edition of 150 on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Absolute Power distills Peterson's central preoccupation into a single title, staging domination through his stripped-down, high-contrast figures.
Why It Matters
Few titles state Peterson's thesis as directly as Absolute Power. The work makes explicit the artist's lifelong subject, the corrupting mechanics of unchecked authority, and its declarative naming makes it a touchstone reference for understanding the ideological core running through his broader body of work.
Collector Perspective
At 34 x 26 inches this is among the larger sheets in Peterson's self-released run, giving it a scale that reinforces its confrontational subject. The black-and-red palette, heavyweight Coventry Rag stock, deckled edges, and hand-signed numbering within an edition of 150 make it a substantial anchor piece for collectors.
Historical Context
Issued in 2018, Absolute Power aligns with Peterson's decade-long examination of oppression and control. Emerging from a practice shaped by street art and classical study alike, the print reflects the politically charged climate of its moment, translating themes of authority into his instantly legible graphic vocabulary.
FAQ
What are the dimensions of Absolute Power?
The print measures 34 x 26 inches, one of the larger formats in Peterson's self-released editions.
What is the edition size?
It is a limited edition of 150, each hand-signed and numbered.
What theme does the work address?
The title directly names Peterson's recurring subject: the corrupting effects of unchecked authority and domination.
What paper is it printed on?
It is hand-pulled on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
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.