Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
The Brinksman I
Summary
The Brinksman I is a 2011 screen print released through Obey Giant, signed by Cleon Peterson and numbered in an edition of 75. Measuring 23 x 23 inches on heavy Arches 100% cotton paper, the square format concentrates Peterson's charged figures into a taut, confrontational composition about power pushed to its edge.
Why It Matters
The Obey Giant imprint places The Brinksman I within Shepard Fairey's influential publishing platform, a key channel that broadened Peterson's audience. The title's reference to brinkmanship, the strategy of escalating conflict to the threshold of catastrophe, aligns precisely with Peterson's abiding subject: aggression as a governing human instinct.
Collector Perspective
As the first of a numbered pair, The Brinksman I carries added appeal for collectors who value complete sets. The 75-piece edition on Arches cotton is comfortably scarce. Verify the pencil signature and number, and consider pairing it with The Brinksman II to preserve the diptych relationship the artist intended.
Historical Context
Released in 2011, this print reflects Peterson's growing profile within the Obey circle during a period when politically charged screen printing gained mainstream traction. The Brinksman series distills his mature style: reductive palette, interlocking bodies, and violence staged as ritual rather than accident.
FAQ
Is The Brinksman I signed?
Yes, it is signed by Cleon Peterson and numbered in an edition of 75.
Does it have a companion print?
Yes, it pairs with The Brinksman II, also released in 2011 through Obey Giant in an edition of 75.
What paper and size?
It is a 23 x 23 inch screen print on heavy Arches 100% cotton paper.
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.