Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
SORROW (Black)
Summary
SORROW (Black), 2023, is an 18 x 24 inch hand-pulled screen print by Cleon Peterson, self-released in a signed and numbered edition of 75 on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. The Black variant renders a subject of grief in the artist's austere, high-contrast silhouette language.
Why It Matters
Sorrow shifts Peterson's register from aggression toward mourning, expanding the emotional range of his catalog. Delivered in stark black-and-white, the composition treats grief with the same graphic severity he applies to violence. That restraint gives the theme a monumental, unsentimental weight rarely seen in his more combative works.
Collector Perspective
Emotionally introspective titles broaden a Peterson collection beyond scenes of conflict, and Sorrow offers exactly that counterpoint. The Black treatment is a collector favorite for its clarity, and the 18 x 24 inch format frames easily. At an edition of 75 on heavyweight rag, it is a strong thematic complement within the 2023 series.
Historical Context
While Peterson is best known for depictions of cruelty and power, his work periodically turns inward toward loss and human fragility. Sorrow belongs to that reflective vein, rendered in the black-and-white idiom that anchors his practice. It is part of the 2023 self-released catalog printed on premium stock and distributed directly.
FAQ
How does Sorrow differ from Peterson's usual subjects?
It addresses grief and loss rather than overt conflict, expanding his emotional range.
What variant is this?
The Black colorway, in stark black-and-white.
How many were produced?
A signed and numbered edition of 75.
What is the medium?
A hand-pulled screen print on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
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.