Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
The Ostrich
Work Summary & Collector Notes
"The Ostrich" is a 2020 hand-pulled screen print by Cleon Peterson, self-released in a signed, numbered edition of 75. Printed at 36 x 36 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges, the large square format pairs Peterson's stark figuration with a title that reads as pointed commentary on willful denial.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Limited edition of 75. The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
"The Ostrich" evokes the head-in-the-sand posture of those who look away from crisis, a sharp allegorical turn within Peterson's usually direct depictions of conflict. At exhibition scale in an edition of 75, it matters as a more conceptual, commentary-driven work in his 2020 print run.
Collector Perspective
Matching "Hysteria" in size and edition, this 36 x 36 inch print in an edition of 75 is one of Peterson's larger, scarcer offerings from the year. Collectors value the pairing potential of these companion large squares, the archival Coventry Rag stock, and the strong graphic presence the format commands on a wall.
Historical Context
Released in 2020, "The Ostrich" reflects Peterson's response to a year defined by crisis and avoidance. The title's allegory of denial extends his broader critique of how societies confront, or refuse to confront, their conflicts. Self-released by the artist at exhibition scale, it belongs to his ambitious large-format editions of that period.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned screenprint
- Release date
- 2020
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Screen Print; catalog dimensions 36 x 36 inches; 36 x 36 in, Hand-pulled screen print; printed on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Limited edition of 75.
- Signature and marks
- The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Documented History and Meaning
History note: This page treats Cleon Peterson's broader career as background context, not proof that this specific edition belongs to any single exhibition or event. Release-level facts here come from a saved secondary catalog record.
Meaning / interpretation: Read as documented context rather than stated intent: Released in 2020, "The Ostrich" reflects Peterson's response to a year defined by crisis and avoidance. This is an interpretive reading of the release context, not a statement of the artist's intent for this specific work. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2020 and attributes the edition to Cleon Peterson (Self Released).
Authentication, Presentation and Provenance
- Original presentation
- Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.
- Authentication note
- Compare the support, dimensions, edition number, and signature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet Gallery does not authenticate works purchased from third parties.
- Provenance note
- Edition origin is attributed in the saved record to Cleon Peterson (Self Released). That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence, and condition photographs.
Sources and Verification
Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; artist-level context added
- Saved release record — Art Collectorz · secondary catalog snapshot · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Starting record for title, year, edition, dimensions, medium, and release description. Primary confirmation against the original release page remains pending.
- Cleon Peterson — official site — Cleon Peterson studio · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Official artist site; career context, not an individual-edition record.
- Cleon Peterson — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
- Cleon Peterson (Q124215748) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.
FAQ
What does the title refer to?
It evokes the ostrich burying its head in the sand, a metaphor for willful denial and looking away from crisis.
What are the dimensions?
A large 36 x 36 inch square on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
How many exist?
A signed and numbered limited edition of 75.
Does it pair with another print?
It shares its 36 x 36 format and edition size of 75 with Hysteria, released the same year, making the two natural companions.
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