Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
The Light Bearer (2026 Red)
Summary
The Light Bearer (2026 Red) is a 2026 self-released, hand-pulled screen print by Cleon Peterson, issued in an edition of 50 at 18 x 24 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges. The larger format and red colorway give this composition a commanding presence, framing a singular figure within Peterson's stark graphic language.
Why It Matters
The "light bearer" motif introduces an ambiguous, almost allegorical figure into Peterson's typically anonymous cast — a bearer of illumination that, given the artist's fascination with power and its abuses, resists any simple heroic reading. It is a title that invites the collector to weigh enlightenment against domination, a recurring tension in his practice.
Collector Perspective
At 18 x 24 inches this is a step up in scale from Peterson's small-format 2026 reds, and the larger sheet typically carries more wall impact and desirability. The edition of 50 keeps it accessible while remaining genuinely limited. Collectors should verify signature, numbering, and the integrity of the deckled edges on the heavier presentation.
Historical Context
Allegorical and quasi-religious titling appears intermittently across Peterson's catalog, where torch-bearing or sword-wielding figures echo classical and biblical iconography reframed through a brutal contemporary lens. The Light Bearer continues his method of borrowing the visual authority of myth to interrogate modern power structures.
FAQ
How does this differ from the smaller 2026 red prints?
At 18 x 24 inches, The Light Bearer is a larger-format work than Peterson's 13.5 x 18 inch releases from the same period, giving a single figure greater scale and presence on the wall.
What paper is it printed on?
290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges, the archival cotton stock Peterson uses across his 2026 self-released editions.
Is the edition size the same as his other 2026 reds?
Yes, this is an edition of 50, consistent with several of his other self-released 2026 red-colorway prints.
What is the significance of the title?
The 'light bearer' is an allegorical figure. Within Peterson's body of work, such figures are rarely straightforwardly heroic and often carry an undercurrent of authority or menace.
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.