Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Without Law There Is No Wrong
Summary
Without Law There Is No Wrong is a 2019 hand-pulled screen print, 28 x 28 inches square, on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Self-released in a limited edition of 100 at a debut price of $150, each impression is signed and numbered. Its aphoristic title probes the relationship between law, morality, and power.
Why It Matters
The philosophical title elevates the work beyond depiction into moral provocation, questioning whether wrongdoing exists absent codified law. It connects Peterson's imagery of unchecked violence to broader debates about authority, legitimacy, and the fragility of social order, giving the square composition conceptual weight.
Collector Perspective
The 28-inch square format and edition of 100 make this a substantial, well-proportioned collectible. Its provocative titling appeals to collectors drawn to conceptually loaded political work. Confirm signature, edition number, and clean deckled edges; the large square sheet frames as a focal wall piece and rewards close condition review.
Historical Context
Released in 2019 among Peterson's self-published prints, this work reflects his engagement with themes of authority and the thin line between order and chaos. The aphoristic title continues a strain in his practice that pairs stark figuration with statements interrogating the structures that permit or restrain violence.
FAQ
What does the title explore?
It probes the relationship between law and morality, questioning whether wrongdoing can exist without codified law, tied to Peterson's themes of authority and power.
What is the format?
A 28 x 28 inch square print on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges.
How many were produced?
A limited edition of 100, each signed and numbered.
Was it self-released?
Yes, Cleon Peterson self-released it in 2019.
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.