Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
This Is Darkness II (Gold)
Summary
"This Is Darkness II (Gold)" (2017) is a square 28 x 28-inch hand-pulled black-and-gold screen print on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges, signed and numbered in an edition of 175. The generous square format gives Peterson room for a fuller cast of struggling figures, the gold ink lending a ceremonial weight to the chaos it frames.
Why It Matters
The 28-inch square is one of Peterson's most impactful presentation formats, and the "II" designation marks it as a continuation within the "This Is Darkness" theme. At 175 impressions it is a mid-sized self-released edition, balancing availability with the ambition of a large, densely populated composition suited to statement wall placement.
Collector Perspective
Larger square editions carry presence that collectors weigh against the practical demands of framing and conservation at this scale. The 175-count run is modest for a work of this footprint. Buyers should confirm the pencil signature, edition number, and the condition of the deckled edges, which are structurally exposed on a large sheet.
Historical Context
Peterson's "This Is Darkness" imagery sits at the heart of his meditation on human cruelty and social breakdown, themes he developed through the 2010s in murals and prints worldwide. The gold-on-black treatment reframes contemporary violence in the gilded, timeless register of ancient friezes, insisting that the darkness he depicts is neither new nor resolved.
FAQ
What does the "II" signify?
It marks this as a second composition within Peterson's "This Is Darkness" theme, distinct from the first while sharing its title and thematic concerns.
What are the dimensions?
It is a large square print at 28 x 28 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
How many were produced?
The edition is limited to 175 impressions, each signed and numbered by Cleon Peterson.
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.