Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Power Can Do Anything / Justice Nothing (First Edition)
Summary
"Power Can Do Anything / Justice Nothing (First Edition)" is a 2020 hand-pulled black-and-red screen print by Cleon Peterson, self-released in a signed, numbered edition of 125 at 18 x 24 inches on 290gsm Arches Rag. Its declarative title states Peterson's core thesis outright: the imbalance between raw power and powerless justice.
Why It Matters
Few Peterson titles state his worldview as plainly as this one. The line "Power can do anything, justice nothing" reads as a manifesto for his entire body of work, which repeatedly stages authority overwhelming fairness. As a first edition in black and red, it matters as a definitive text-and-image statement of his central preoccupation.
Collector Perspective
The larger edition of 125 makes this slightly more available than his editions of 75 or 100, while the explicit "First Edition" designation appeals to collectors tracking print sequence. At 18 x 24 inches in black and red on Arches Rag, it delivers strong graphic and thematic weight in an accessible format.
Historical Context
Released in 2020, the print channels Peterson's response to a year of contested authority and eroding faith in justice. The blunt title crystallizes his long-running critique of power's dominance over fairness, placing it among the most direct thesis statements in his election-year catalog of self-released editions.
FAQ
What does the title mean?
It states Peterson's core thesis: that raw power prevails while justice is left powerless, a theme running through his entire practice.
What is the edition size?
A signed and numbered limited edition of 125, marked as a First Edition.
What colors and paper?
Black and red, hand-pulled on 290gsm Arches Rag paper with deckled edges.
What are the dimensions?
18 x 24 inches, self-released by Cleon 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.