Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Civil Rights (Black)
Summary
Civil Rights (Black) is a 2015 hand-pulled screen print, 16 x 22 inches, on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges, in a signed and numbered edition of 100. Self-released by the artist, it applies Peterson's stark black-and-white figuration to the fraught subject of civil rights, staging conflict between bodies in his signature flat, confrontational style.
Why It Matters
The heavyweight Coventry Rag stock and deckled edges mark this as a considered fine-art print rather than a poster. Its subject connects Peterson's ongoing meditation on power and oppression to a specific American struggle, giving the work topical resonance beyond his usual allegory. An edition of 100 keeps it accessible yet contained.
Collector Perspective
A self-released, signed and numbered print on premium paper offers strong fundamentals for collectors entering Peterson's work. The deckled Coventry Rag sheet handles well framed, and the politically pointed title gives it thematic weight. Edition of 100 sits in a comfortable middle band—neither mass-market nor tightly restricted.
Historical Context
Released in 2015 amid heightened national attention to policing and racial justice, Civil Rights reflects Peterson's engagement with the social tensions of the moment. His reduced palette and clashing silhouettes turn a specific issue into a broader statement on domination and resistance, consistent with the visual language of his contemporaneous prints.
FAQ
What paper is it printed on?
290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges, a heavyweight fine-art stock.
Is it signed?
Yes, each print in the edition of 100 is signed and numbered by the artist.
Who published it?
It was self-released by Cleon Peterson.
What are the dimensions?
The sheet measures 16 x 22 inches.
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.