Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Paint The Town (Gold & White)
Summary
Paint The Town (Gold & White), 2014, is a hand-pulled gold screen print measuring 16 x 21 inches on 250gsm Arches Cover Natural paper with deckled edges, signed and numbered in an edition of 100 and self-released. The gold ink lends Peterson's imagery of urban violence a luminous, unsettling sheen.
Why It Matters
The title puns on the phrase 'paint the town red,' reframing revelry as bloodshed—a characteristic Peterson inversion. Printed in gold on natural Arches Cover with deckled edges, it pairs archival quality with a striking metallic finish. As a 2014 edition of 100, it is an early example of his gold-ink experiments that later recurred across his output.
Collector Perspective
Gold-ink prints hold consistent appeal for their finish and photographic drama, and the natural-toned Arches sheet with deckled edges frames handsomely. The edition of 100 makes it accessible, while the wordplay-driven title adds interpretive interest. For collectors, it is a solid representative of Peterson's mid-decade self-released prints.
Historical Context
Self-released in 2014, Paint The Town sits alongside Judgement in Peterson's productive period exploring cruelty through gold-and-black palettes. Its darkly ironic title turns celebration into carnage, extending his consistent theme that human festivity and violence are never far apart, rendered in his flat, high-contrast signature style.
FAQ
What does the title reference?
It plays on 'paint the town red,' recasting a phrase for revelry as one for bloodshed.
What ink and paper are used?
Gold ink on 250gsm Arches Cover Natural paper with deckled edges.
What is the edition size?
A signed and numbered edition of 100.
What are the dimensions?
16 x 21 inches.
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.