Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Blood & Soil I
Summary
A 2018 self-released screen print measuring 18 x 24 inches, hand-pulled in black and red and editioned to 125 on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Blood & Soil I opens a three-part series whose charged title confronts the ideology of ethnonationalism through Peterson's reductive figures.
Why It Matters
The phrase 'blood and soil' carries direct historical weight as a fascist slogan, and Peterson wields it to interrogate the resurgence of nationalist violence. As the first of a three-part suite, this print is essential to reading the series as a sequence, giving collectors the entry point to one of his most politically explicit statements.
Collector Perspective
The smaller edition of 125, below his frequent runs of 150, and its role as part one of a numbered trio give this print added collecting significance. Printed on heavyweight Coventry Rag with deckled edges in the signature black-and-red palette, it appeals to collectors pursuing complete series sets.
Historical Context
Released in 2018, Blood & Soil I responds to a period of rising nationalist rhetoric across global politics. Peterson's decision to invoke a loaded historical slogan reflects his practice of confronting the mechanisms of oppression head-on, extending a critique he has pursued across murals, paintings, and prints.
FAQ
Is this print part of a series?
Yes. It is the first of a three-part Blood & Soil suite of screen prints released in 2018.
What is the edition size?
It is a limited edition of 125, each hand-signed and numbered.
What are the dimensions?
The print measures 18 x 24 inches.
What does the title reference?
'Blood and soil' is a historically loaded nationalist slogan that Peterson invokes to critique ethnonationalist violence.
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.