Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Punishment (Bone)
Summary
A large 36 x 36 inch hand-pulled screen print from 2021 in a bone-and-black scheme, printed on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Self-released in a signed and numbered edition of 125, its imposing square scale and blunt title place it squarely within Peterson's meditations on power, control, and retribution.
Why It Matters
The title "Punishment" declares the theme directly, aligning the work with Peterson's core concerns around authority and the exercise of force. At 36 x 36 inches it is among the largest formats in the 2021 self-released run, giving the subject monumental scale and confronting the viewer at close to human proportions.
Collector Perspective
This is a statement-scale work for collectors focused on Peterson's thematic backbone of power and oppression rather than his lighter palettes. The large 36 x 36 inch format requires dedicated wall space and considered framing. Signed and numbered in an edition of 125, it remains within his standard self-released band despite its ambitious size.
Historical Context
Punishment and the machinery of authority are recurring subjects in Peterson's work, which repeatedly stages scenes of dominance and submission through flattened figures. The 2021 self-released large-format prints on Coventry Rag reflect his commitment to scaling these themes up while retaining full control over production.
FAQ
How large is this print?
36 x 36 inches, one of the bigger square formats in Peterson's 2021 self-released work.
What is the color scheme?
Bone and black, applied to a heavyweight Coventry Rag sheet.
What is the edition size?
125 signed and numbered prints.
Does the title reflect the subject?
Yes, "Punishment" points directly to Peterson's themes of authority, force, and retribution.
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.