Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
The New American Dream (Red)
Summary
The New American Dream (Red) is a 2026 hand-pulled screen print self-released by Cleon Peterson in an edition of 50, measuring 13.5 x 18 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges. The red colorway sharpens the sardonic bite of a title that reframes one of America's foundational promises through Peterson's unflinching political lens.
Why It Matters
The "American Dream" is national shorthand for opportunity and upward mobility; Peterson's ironic reworking of it as a "new" dream, rendered in aggressive red, reads as a commentary on a nation's darker realities. It belongs to a cluster of 2026 America-themed prints in which the artist turns his brutalist graphic style directly on national mythology.
Collector Perspective
This is a strong thematic companion to Last Stop America from the same 2026 run, and collectors assembling Peterson's political statements may want the pair. At an edition of 50 in the entry-level 13.5 x 18 inch format, it is accessible while remaining limited. Inspect red registration and the deckled edges of the Coventry Rag sheet.
Historical Context
Peterson's engagement with American identity spans years of work critiquing power, violence, and inequality. The 2026 series crystallizes that concern into explicitly America-titled prints, positioning him within a lineage of political printmakers who use accessible editions to circulate pointed social critique.
FAQ
Is this part of a series?
It sits within Peterson's 2026 self-released America-themed prints, alongside works like Last Stop America, sharing the ironic engagement with national identity and the same red colorway treatment.
What are the dimensions and edition size?
The print is 13.5 x 18 inches in a limited edition of 50, hand-pulled on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
Does the red colorway indicate other versions exist?
The (Red) designation identifies this specific colorway. Peterson frequently issues distinct colorways of a composition, so other variants of the image may exist.
Who produced this edition?
It was self-released by Cleon Peterson in 2026, produced and distributed under the artist's own direction.
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.