Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Useless Idiot (White)
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Useless Idiot (White) is a 2019 hand-pulled screen print, 24 x 18 inches, on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Self-released in a limited edition of 150 at a debut price of $150, each impression is signed and numbered. Its blunt title carries Peterson's confrontational tone into a compact single-figure format.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Limited edition of 150. The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
The unflinching title exemplifies Peterson's use of aggressive language to mirror the aggression in his imagery. As a smaller, accessibly priced release, it functioned as an entry point into his work while still delivering the confrontational punch that defines his voice, bridging affordability and edge.
Collector Perspective
At an edition of 150, this is one of the larger runs in this group, placing it in a more common tier. The lower original price reflects its entry-level positioning. Collectors should confirm signature, numbering, and deckled edges; the compact 24 x 18 format is easy to frame and display in tighter spaces.
Historical Context
Produced in 2019, this print belongs to Peterson's self-released output before the intensified political messaging of his 2020 work. The abrasive title continues his long practice of pairing brutal figuration with provocative text, a strategy rooted in the confrontational aesthetics of street and punk graphics.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned screenprint
- Release date
- 2019
- 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 24 x 18 inches; Hand pulled screen print; printed on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Limited edition of 150.
- 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: Produced in 2019, this print belongs to Peterson's self-released output before the intensified political messaging of his 2020 work. 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 2019 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 is the edition size?
A limited edition of 150, one of the larger runs among Peterson's self-released prints from this period.
What was the release price?
$150 each, positioning it as a more accessible entry point into his work.
What paper and size?
18 x 24 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
Is each print signed?
Yes, every impression is signed and numbered by the artist.
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