Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Monument To Power, Oppression (First Edition)
Summary
Monument To Power, Oppression (2019) is the first-edition panel of Peterson's Monument To Power trio, a hand-pulled black-and-red screen print at 18 x 24 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Self-released in an edition of 100, each signed and numbered. "Oppression" names the human cost that "Law" and "Corruption" produce.
Why It Matters
Of the three panels, "Oppression" is the most direct in naming the outcome of unchecked power. It anchors the series' emotional core, giving collectors a clear thematic centerpiece. The two-color scheme and archival Coventry Rag stock keep it visually consistent with its companions for coherent set display.
Collector Perspective
Because the trio is designed to hang together, "Oppression" is a natural priority acquisition for collectors assembling the full Monument To Power set. The edition of 100 offers reasonable access, and the first-edition marking confirms an original 2019 pull. Verify matching numbers if seeking a consecutively numbered set.
Historical Context
Peterson's work has consistently examined how power dehumanizes, drawing on ancient black-figure vase imagery and modern social realism. "Oppression" crystallizes that concern into a single word and image, part of the artist's late-2010s move toward emblematic, statement-driven self-released editions.
FAQ
How does this relate to the other panels?
It is one of three Monument To Power prints (Law, Oppression, Corruption), intended to be read and displayed together.
What size is it?
18 x 24 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
Is it a limited edition?
Yes, a self-released first edition of 100, signed and numbered.
What palette does it use?
Black and red, Peterson's reductive two-color signature.
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.