Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Scales Of Injustice (First Edition)
Summary
A 2016 letterpress collaboration between Cleon Peterson and Shepard Fairey, printed at 10 by 13 inches in black ink on cream 100% cotton archival paper with hand-deckled edges. The edition runs to 300, carries both artists' signatures and hand numbering, and bears the Subliminal Projects publishing chop in the lower left corner.
Why It Matters
Dual-signed sheets pairing Peterson with Shepard Fairey are among the most sought entry points into his print catalog. The Subliminal Projects imprint and letterpress technique tie the work directly to Fairey's Echo Park studio, giving the piece two collector audiences at once and a documented, chop-verified point of origin.
Collector Perspective
The double signature and printer's chop make authentication straightforward and desirability high across two fanbases. Letterpress on deckle-edged cotton reads as an object, not a poster. At 300, supply is real but finite; condition of the deckled edges and crisp registration of the black impression drive quality distinctions within the edition.
Historical Context
By 2016 Peterson's stark duotone iconography of power and violence had entered wider circulation, and Subliminal Projects had become a key platform for his editions. The title's scales motif engages the language of justice from a critical angle, aligning with Fairey's own long-running political vocabulary in a shared, deliberately restrained black-on-cream register.
FAQ
Who signed this print?
It is signed by both Cleon Peterson and Shepard Fairey, and hand numbered within the edition of 300.
What is the Subliminal Projects chop?
It is the publisher's embossed mark in the lower left corner, identifying Fairey's gallery and press as the issuing house.
What technique was used?
Letterpress in black ink on 100% cotton archival paper with hand-deckled edges, at 10 by 13 inches.
How large is the edition?
The edition is limited to 300 numbered impressions.
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.