Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Heathens (Black)
Summary
"Heathens (Black)" is a 2017 hand-pulled screen print, 18 x 24 inches, self-released by Cleon Peterson in a limited edition of 150. Printed on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges and signed and numbered by the artist, its title frames the figures within a language of the outcast and the ungoverned.
Why It Matters
The word "heathens" invokes judgment, those cast outside sanctioned belief or order, a theme that dovetails with Peterson's interest in savagery, tribalism, and the breakdown of civil structures. The dark treatment intensifies the sense of a world beyond moral restraint, central to the artist's worldview.
Collector Perspective
An 18 x 24 inch self-released print in the standard edition of 150, it sits at an accessible entry point in Peterson's market. The dark monochrome palette suits collectors drawn to his most uncompromising graphic mode, and the hand signature with archival Coventry Rag stock ensures solid documentation.
Historical Context
Released in 2017, "Heathens" reflects Peterson's engagement with themes of moral and social disorder that predate his explicitly political prints of the following year. The title's connotations of the uncivilized connect to his broader project of depicting violence as an unrestrained, almost primal human condition.
FAQ
What does the title suggest?
Outcasts or the ungoverned, tied to Peterson's themes of savagery and social breakdown.
What is the edition size?
A limited edition of 150, signed and numbered by the artist.
When was it released?
In 2017, ahead of Peterson's more overtly political 2018 output.
How was it published?
Self-released by Cleon Peterson, 18 x 24 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper.
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.