Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Destroying The Weak 1 (White)
Summary
Destroying The Weak 1 (White), 2015, is a 20 x 20-inch screen print rendered in gold ink on Astropaque Eclipse black paper, in a signed and numbered edition of 75. The metallic-on-black treatment gives Peterson's flat figuration a luminous, almost heraldic quality while the title states his theme of predation without euphemism.
Why It Matters
The gold-on-black construction is a striking departure from Peterson's typical monochrome, lending the imagery a ceremonial gravity that heightens its brutality. As the first in a two-part sequence and an edition of 75, it is scarcer than most of his self-released prints. The square format reinforces its poster-like, emblematic impact.
Collector Perspective
Gold-ink prints on black stock photograph and frame dramatically, which drives collector interest. Pairing appeal is real here: collectors often seek both Destroying The Weak 1 and 2 as a diptych. At 75 signed impressions, availability is tighter than the artist's larger runs, adding to its standing.
Historical Context
Issued in 2015, the work belongs to Peterson's mature period of self-released editions exploring cruelty and hierarchy. The unflinching title reflects his consistent focus on the strong preying upon the vulnerable, a theme that threads through his murals and paintings and here is elevated by the gilded, near-iconographic surface.
FAQ
What makes this print visually distinctive?
It is printed in gold ink on Astropaque Eclipse black paper, a metallic-on-black treatment uncommon in his catalog.
Is it part of a set?
It is the first of a two-part sequence; collectors often pair it with Destroying The Weak 2.
What is the edition size?
A signed and numbered edition of 75.
What are the dimensions?
20 x 20 inches, a square format.
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.