Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Exile (Black)
Summary
"Exile (Black)," a 2025 self-released screen print, is hand-pulled on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges at a square 18 x 18 inches, in an edition of 50. The "Black" designation points to a monochrome, high-contrast treatment consistent with Peterson's stark visual language of stripped-down forms and silhouette.
Why It Matters
The title "Exile" extends Peterson's recurring themes of banishment, otherness, and displacement, subjects that thread through his work on power and the outsider. Released directly by the artist in a compact edition of 50, the square format concentrates the composition, giving the black colorway a graphic severity that suits the subject.
Collector Perspective
A "Black" variant signals this is one colorway within a possible pairing, so collectors tracking Peterson's paired releases may seek its counterpart. The edition of 50 on deckled Coventry Rag is modest and handling-sensitive. As a self-released sheet, documentation and edition numbering from the artist's channel are the key provenance anchors.
Historical Context
Produced in 2025, "Exile" belongs to Peterson's sustained inquiry into authority and those cast out by it. The theme of exile resonates against the political climate of the period, and the reductive black palette aligns with the artist's long-standing preference for duotone clarity over ornament.
FAQ
What does the "Black" in the title mean?
It denotes the black colorway of the print, indicating a monochrome treatment and suggesting an alternate colorway may exist.
What size is this print?
It is a square 18 x 18 inch hand-pulled screen print on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
How large is the edition?
"Exile (Black)" was released in a limited edition of 50 in 2025.
Was this issued through a publisher?
No. It was self-released by Cleon Peterson, distributed directly by the artist.
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.