Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
The Choice Is Ours
Summary
The Choice Is Ours is a 2020 hand-pulled black-and-red screen print, 28 x 19 inches, on 290gsm Arches Rag with deckled edges. Self-released as a first edition of 100, each impression is signed and numbered. Its title frames the work as a call to civic agency, delivered through Peterson's stark duotone graphic language.
Why It Matters
The title turns Peterson's usual imagery of domination toward a note of possibility and responsibility, a rarer register in his catalog. Produced in an election year, it reads as an appeal to collective decision-making, positioning the artist not only as a chronicler of violence but as someone prompting the viewer to act.
Collector Perspective
With an edition of 100 on heavyweight Arches Rag, this holds mid-tier scarcity within Peterson's self-released prints. The larger format and pointed civic title appeal to collectors of politically charged graphics. Verify the signature, edition number, and intact deckled edges; first-edition designation adds provenance clarity for the buyer.
Historical Context
Released amid the 2020 U.S. election cycle, the print belongs to a cluster of Peterson works that fused his aesthetic with direct political messaging. Self-releasing let him sidestep publishers and speak plainly to collectors during a moment when many artists mobilized their platforms around civic participation.
FAQ
What does the title reference?
The title frames the work as a statement about civic agency and collective responsibility, consistent with its 2020 election-year release.
Who published it?
It was self-released by Cleon Peterson in 2020, not through an outside gallery or publisher.
How large is the sheet?
28 x 19 inches on 290gsm Arches Rag with deckled edges.
Is each print individually signed?
Yes, each of the 100 impressions is signed and numbered in pencil.
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.