Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
The Possessed (Triptych)
Summary
A 2024 hand-pulled screen print triptych, released in an edition of 125 as sets of three 18 x 18 inch panels that combine to a 54 x 18 inch composition. Printed on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper, each three-panel set carries a single signature and number. "The Possessed" reads as one continuous narrative across its panels.
Why It Matters
The triptych form is Peterson's most ambitious format here, letting a scene of chaos and possession sprawl across three joined sheets. The single-signature-per-set structure treats the three panels as one indivisible work, a deliberate choice that rewards viewers who install the full composition as intended.
Collector Perspective
Because each set of three carries only one signature and number, the triptych is meant to be kept and displayed complete, which supports its integrity as a collectible unit. The multi-panel scale and 125-set edition make it a centerpiece acquisition, more substantial than a single sheet and built for a commanding wall.
Historical Context
The triptych descends from religious altarpieces, where three hinged panels staged sacred narrative. Peterson secularizes and inverts the form, filling it with figures overtaken by violence or madness. The title's echo of Dostoevsky's novel of ideological derangement reinforces the theme of collective possession.
FAQ
How is the triptych sold?
As a set of three 18 x 18 inch panels; each set has one signature and number.
What are the combined dimensions?
When hung together the three panels measure 54 x 18 inches.
What is the edition size?
A limited edition of 125 sets.
Should the panels be kept together?
Yes; the single signature per set indicates it is intended as one complete work.
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.