Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Money & Power (Yellow)
Summary
Money & Power departs from Peterson's usual monochrome with a black-and-yellow palette. This 2022 hand-pulled screen print measures 18 x 18 inches on 290gsm Arches Rag paper with deckled edges, in an edition of 75. Each print is signed and numbered. The vivid yellow amplifies a pointed commentary on greed and control.
Why It Matters
The introduction of yellow marks a deliberate shift, injecting alarm and energy into Peterson's typically austere scheme. The subject, money and power, sits at the center of his political critique, indicting the forces that drive domination. Printed on Arches rather than his usual Coventry, the work signals a distinct production choice within the 2022 run.
Collector Perspective
The color departure and square 18 x 18-inch format make this stand out among the 2022 editions. An edition of 75 on premium Arches Rag stock keeps it collector-grade, and the signed-and-numbered format supports value retention. Its bolder palette gives it strong appeal for collectors wanting a more graphic Peterson statement.
Historical Context
Peterson's use of pointed color echoes propaganda traditions where yellow and black command attention and signal hazard. His critique of money and power aligns with a long history of politically engaged printmaking. The 2022 self-released editions allowed him to pair charged themes with deliberate material and color choices, delivered straight to collectors.
FAQ
How does this print differ from Peterson's usual palette?
It uses black and yellow rather than his standard black-and-bone two-tone scheme.
What paper is it printed on?
It is printed on 290gsm Arches Rag paper with deckled edges, a departure from the Coventry stock used elsewhere in the run.
What is the edition size?
It is a limited edition of 75, signed and numbered.
What is the theme?
The title addresses greed and control, central concerns in Peterson's political critique.
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.