Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Headless Man (Black & White)
Summary
Headless Man (Black & White) is a 2019 hand-pulled black screen print, 28 x 19 inches, on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Self-released in a limited edition of 125 at a debut price of $150, each impression is signed and numbered. Its monochrome treatment strips Peterson's imagery to stark essentials.
Why It Matters
The headless figure is a potent symbol of dehumanization and lost agency, central themes in Peterson's exploration of power and its victims. Rendered in single-color black, the composition foregrounds silhouette and gesture, showing how effectively the artist communicates violence and vulnerability without narrative color.
Collector Perspective
Edition of 125 on Coventry Rag places this in Peterson's mid-scarcity band. The monochrome format and larger 28 x 19 size make it a graphically clean wall piece. Verify signature, number, and deckled-edge condition; single-color prints reveal any registration or handling flaws readily, so inspect the flat black fields closely.
Historical Context
Created in 2019, this print sits within Peterson's self-released catalog and reflects his recurring imagery of severed, faceless bodies as emblems of subjugation. The reduction to black and white aligns with a graphic tradition that uses maximal contrast to intensify emotional and political impact.
FAQ
What does the headless figure represent?
It reads as a symbol of dehumanization and lost agency, recurring themes in Peterson's work on power and its victims.
How many impressions exist?
A limited edition of 125, each signed and numbered.
What colors are used?
A single-color black print, more reduced than his typical black-and-red duotone.
What are the dimensions?
28 x 19 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges.
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.