Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Speak To Me (Light)
Summary
Speak To Me (Light), 2023, is a 17 x 22 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 Light variant favors a brighter ground, throwing Peterson's stark figures into crisp silhouette across the sheet.
Why It Matters
An imploring title like Speak To Me introduces a note of desperation or connection into Peterson's typically adversarial world. Rendered in the Light colorway, the composition trades brooding shadow for graphic clarity, reframing the same charged subject. The variant pairing lets the work operate in two distinct emotional keys.
Collector Perspective
The Light version appeals to collectors who prefer high-contrast legibility over the darker Night register, and pairing the two is a frequent goal. At an edition of 75 on premium rag stock, it holds equal standing to its companion. The near-square 17 x 22 inch format is straightforward to frame and hang.
Historical Context
Peterson's practice consistently reduces human interaction to essential black-and-white confrontations, and his titles often supply the emotional charge the silhouettes withhold. Offering a work in both Light and Dark treatments reflects the tonal-variant approach common across his 2023 self-released prints, distributed directly to collectors.
FAQ
How does the Light variant differ?
It uses a brighter ground for crisp graphic contrast, versus the darker companion version.
What is the edition size?
A signed and numbered edition of 75.
What paper is used?
290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
What are its dimensions?
The sheet measures 17 x 22 inches.
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.