Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
The Marchers (Black)
Summary
The black variant of Peterson's 2016 self-released screen print, a wide 13 by 34 inch horizontal sheet hand pulled in gold on 250gsm Arches Cover Black paper with deckled edges. The edition is limited to 125, each signed and numbered by the artist. Gold ink printed directly onto black stock produces a dramatic, near-relief procession.
Why It Matters
Printing gold on black Arches Cover is a deliberate reversal of Peterson's usual light-ground approach, and it suits a marching, frieze-like subject. The elongated horizontal format turns the composition into a processional band, echoing classical relief sculpture and its depictions of massed figures on the move.
Collector Perspective
The panoramic proportions are unusual and framing-intensive, which narrows but intensifies collector appeal. Gold on black stock is high-impact and photographs well, a rare combination. At 125 self-released, provenance runs through the artist; edge condition and even gold coverage across the wide sheet are the key quality markers.
Historical Context
The Marchers extends Peterson's engagement with crowds and collective force rather than single antagonists. The frieze format consciously borrows from antiquity's processional imagery, recasting parades and columns of figures as an ambiguous display of power that could read as celebration or menace.
FAQ
What paper is used?
250gsm Arches Cover Black, with the image hand pulled in gold ink.
How is this different from other variants?
This is the black-ground version, gold printed onto black stock rather than the reverse.
What are its dimensions?
A wide horizontal sheet at 13 by 34 inches.
What is the edition size?
125 signed and numbered impressions, self-released by the artist.
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.