Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Balance Of Power II (Red)
Summary
Balance Of Power II (Red) is a 2026 redrawn edition of Peterson's 2015 Balance Of Power print, hand-pulled in black and red at 38 x 18 inches on 290gsm Arches Rag paper with deckled edges. Issued as a rare edition of just 30, each impression is signed and numbered, revisiting a decade-old composition in two new colorways.
Why It Matters
Prefaced by the artist's own words — "For over a decade, you asked. I finally listened" — this is a rare instance of Peterson returning to and redrawing an earlier work by popular demand. The wide 38-inch format and the loaded title make it one of his most explicit meditations on domination and the asymmetry of power between figures.
Collector Perspective
A redrawn edition of a sought-after 2015 print, limited to 30 and printed on premium Arches Rag, gives this real collector weight. The artist-confirmed signing and numbering, larger format, and heritage of the original composition combine for strong desirability. Verify the black-and-red colorway, numbering out of 30, and the long deckled edges.
Historical Context
The original Balance Of Power (2015) belongs to Peterson's earlier catalog of stark power dynamics. Its 2026 redrawn return reflects both sustained demand for his classic imagery and the artist's willingness to revisit signature works, updating them with new colorways while preserving the confrontational tableau of dominance.
FAQ
How does this relate to the 2015 print?
It is a redrawn edition of Peterson's 2015 Balance Of Power composition, reissued in 2026 in two new colorways after more than a decade of collector demand.
Is it signed and numbered?
Yes, the artist states that each print in the edition of 30 is signed and numbered.
What paper is used?
This edition is printed on 290gsm Arches Rag paper with deckled edges, distinct from the Coventry Rag used on several of his other 2026 releases.
How rare is this edition?
The edition is limited to 30 impressions, described by the artist as a rare edition, making it one of the scarcer 2026 releases.
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.