Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
To Create & Destroy (Gold)
Summary
To Create & Destroy (Gold), 2023, is a large 36 x 45 inch hand-pulled screen print by Cleon Peterson, self-released in a signed and numbered edition of 75 on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Its imposing scale and gold ground make it one of the most commanding sheets in the 2023 self-released series.
Why It Matters
The title names the central dialectic of Peterson's work: creation and destruction as inseparable human impulses. At 36 x 45 inches it is a monumental statement, and the gold treatment intensifies the ceremonial tension between opulent surface and violent subject. Scale and finish combine to make this an anchor piece.
Collector Perspective
Large-format prints command attention and typically require professional framing, which collectors weigh against their gallery-wall impact. At 36 x 45 inches with a gold ground and an edition of 75, this is among the most ambitious works in the run. It suits buyers seeking a centerpiece rather than an intimate sheet.
Historical Context
Peterson's monumental compositions echo the scale of murals and public friezes, media well suited to his themes of collective power and destruction. The pairing of creation and destruction reflects a long philosophical and artistic tradition he adapts to a stark contemporary idiom. This gold impression is part of his 2023 direct-to-collector output.
FAQ
How large is this print?
It measures 36 x 45 inches, one of the largest sheets in the 2023 series.
What is the edition size?
A signed and numbered edition of 75.
What is the medium?
A hand-pulled screen print on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
Does it require special framing?
Its large scale typically calls for professional custom framing.
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.