Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
The Naked Woman & Man (White)
Summary
This 2022 hand-pulled screen print measures 18 x 13 inches, printed in black and bone on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges. Issued in an edition of 75, each impression is signed and numbered. Smaller than Peterson's standard sheets, it distills his figuration to an elemental pairing of two bodies.
Why It Matters
Stripping his cast down to a single man and woman, Peterson turns his usual crowd scenes inward toward the primal unit of human relation. The nudity removes social markers, leaving only bodies and power. In his flat black-and-bone idiom, the image reads as both intimate and confrontational, a study of vulnerability and dominance.
Collector Perspective
The intimate 18 x 13-inch format and $125 original price make this the most approachable piece in the 2022 group. An edition of 75 on archival Coventry Rag keeps it collector-grade despite the modest scale. Signed and numbered, it suits those seeking a compact, wall-friendly Peterson work.
Historical Context
Peterson's figures descend from a lineage of stark narrative art, from Greek black-figure vases to modern political graphics. Reducing his scenes to two nude figures aligns with a broader interest in archetype over individual. The 2022 self-released editions gave collectors direct access to these pared-down statements outside the traditional gallery structure.
FAQ
What are the dimensions?
It measures 18 x 13 inches, smaller than Peterson's standard prints.
What was the original release price?
It was released at $125, the lowest of the 2022 self-released group.
How many were made?
The edition is limited to 75 signed and numbered prints.
Why are the figures nude?
The nudity strips away social identity, focusing the composition on elemental dynamics between two bodies.
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.