Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Let's Start A War (Black)
Summary
A 2018 self-released screen print in a large 28 x 28 inch square format, hand-pulled in black and red in a limited edition of 65 on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Let's Start A War (Black) confronts the appetite for conflict with a provocatively casual title set against Peterson's brutal figures.
Why It Matters
The flippant phrasing of Let's Start A War sharpens Peterson's critique, exposing how easily aggression is invoked and normalized. With an edition of just 65, it ranks among the scarcer square-format prints in his catalogue, making it a notable reference for collectors of his most confrontational political statements.
Collector Perspective
The small edition of 65 sets this apart from Peterson's more numerous runs, adding scarcity to a work already bold in scale at 28 x 28 inches. Hand-pulled in black and red on heavyweight Coventry Rag with deckled edges and hand-numbered, it pairs naturally with Rule Of Law as a same-scale, same-edition companion.
Historical Context
Released in 2018, Let's Start A War (Black) reflects Peterson's engagement with the rhetoric of militarism and manufactured conflict. His figures, reduced to essential silhouettes of aggressor and victim, translate the abstraction of geopolitical violence into immediate, visceral confrontation.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
It is a limited edition of 65, among the scarcer square-format prints in Peterson's catalogue.
What are the dimensions?
The print measures 28 x 28 inches in a square format.
What palette is used?
It is hand-pulled in black and red on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
Does it pair with another print?
It shares the same 28 x 28 inch scale and edition of 65 as Rule Of Law, making the two natural companions.
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.