Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Balance Of Power Sculpture
Summary
"Balance Of Power" (2016) is a white-glazed porcelain sculpture produced by Case Studyo in an edition of 25 plus 4 APs, measuring 16 cm tall by 30 cm wide. A follow-up to the sold-out "Destroying the Weak," it renders two anonymous, indistinguishable aggressors locked in an unresolved struggle, translating Peterson's flat graphic violence into three dimensions.
Why It Matters
This is a rare object edition rather than a print, and its tiny run of 25 plus 4 APs makes it one of the scarcer works in Peterson's output. Produced by Belgian editions house Case Studyo and following a sold-out predecessor, it carries strong pedigree and a conceptual twist: no victim, no victor, only perpetual conflict.
Collector Perspective
Sculptural editions this small are inherently harder to acquire than prints, and Case Studyo's production quality and packaging add to the appeal. It ships with a screen-printed wood box and a signed, numbered certificate, so completeness of box and COA materially affects value. Condition of the glazed porcelain, being fragile, is paramount for collectors.
Historical Context
Peterson's collaboration with Case Studyo brought his two-dimensional iconography of dominance into physical form. "Balance of Power" deliberately inverts the earlier "Destroying the Weak" narrative: rather than a clear victor and victim, it depicts two identical aggressors in a stalemate, distilling his broader thesis that power struggles are cyclical and without resolution.
FAQ
How is this different from a print?
It is a three-dimensional white-glazed porcelain sculpture produced by Case Studyo, not a work on paper, sized 16 cm tall and 30 cm wide.
What is the edition size?
The edition is limited to 25 pieces plus 4 artist's proofs, making it one of the scarcer works in Peterson's catalog.
What accompanies the sculpture?
It comes with a screen-printed wood box and a certificate signed and numbered by Cleon Peterson; both should be present for a complete example.
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.