Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
American Still Life: I Dream In Red
Summary
American Still Life: I Dream In Red is a 2026 first-edition, hand-pulled screen print self-released by Cleon Peterson in an edition of 35, at roughly 15 x 28.125 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges. A companion to Shots Fired within the American Still Life series, its title fuses dreamscape and bloodshed in Peterson's signature panoramic format.
Why It Matters
"I dream in red" reads simultaneously as poetic and violent — the red of desire and the red of blood — a duality Peterson exploits throughout his work. As part of the American Still Life cycle, it frames the American subconscious as saturated with aggression, elevating the still-life tradition into pointed social critique.
Collector Perspective
Sharing the edition of 35 and 28-inch format of its Shots Fired companion, this print carries the same elevated scarcity and pairs naturally with it as a diptych within a collection. First-edition status adds appeal. Collectors should confirm numbering and inspect the long deckled edges and red registration across the wide sheet.
Historical Context
The American Still Life series represents a focused 2026 statement in which Peterson applies his brutalist figuration to distinctly American anxieties. "I Dream In Red" continues his long-standing use of the color red as a charged signifier of violence, extending motifs present since his earliest black-and-white and red bodies of work.
FAQ
Is this related to Shots Fired?
Yes, both belong to the American Still Life series, share the edition of 35 and the elongated 15 x 28.125 inch format, and function well as a companion pair.
How limited is this edition?
It is a first edition limited to 35 impressions, hand-pulled on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
What is the meaning of the title?
'I Dream In Red' evokes both longing and bloodshed. Red is a recurring charged color in Peterson's practice, tying desire and violence together.
Was it published by a gallery?
No, it was self-released by Cleon Peterson in 2026, produced and distributed under the artist's own direction.
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.