Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Police Shooting (Black)
Summary
Police Shooting (Black), 2015, is a hand-pulled screen print measuring 14 x 18 inches on 250gsm Arches Cover white paper with deckled edges, in a signed and numbered edition of 150. Its blunt title and confrontational black figuration make it one of Peterson's most directly topical self-released prints of the period.
Why It Matters
Few Peterson prints name their subject as plainly as this one. Released amid intense national scrutiny of police violence, it collapses his allegorical vocabulary into an unmistakable current-events statement. The Arches Cover stock with deckled edges confirms its fine-art intent, while the edition of 150 keeps it within reach of newer collectors.
Collector Perspective
The explicit political subject makes this a documentary artifact of its moment as much as a Peterson print, which broadens its appeal. Arches Cover is an archival, forgiving paper that frames cleanly. At 150 signed impressions it is more available than his gold or ceramic editions, offering an entry point without sacrificing authenticity.
Historical Context
Self-released in 2015, the print responds to a period of widely publicized police shootings and the resulting national reckoning. Peterson's reduced, high-impact figuration turns headline violence into a stark visual indictment, extending the artist's long-running critique of authority and its abuses into unambiguous contemporary terms.
FAQ
What paper is used?
250gsm Arches Cover white paper with deckled edges.
What is the edition size?
A signed and numbered edition of 150.
What are the dimensions?
14 x 18 inches.
Is the subject explicitly political?
Yes—the title and imagery directly reference police violence, unusually direct for Peterson.
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.