Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
World On Fire (Large Format - Black)
Summary
"World On Fire (Large Format - Black)" is a 2021 hand-pulled large-format screen print by Cleon Peterson in a small edition of just 25. At 48 x 36 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges, it was released to mark his exhibition "Truth & Lies," a body of eleven paintings documenting America's political and social discord ahead of the 2020 election.
Why It Matters
This is a statement work: monumental scale, a tiny edition, and a direct tie to a named exhibition give it unusual gravity within Peterson's print catalog. "World On Fire" is among his most recognized motifs, and the large black format renders it at full commanding presence, the version collectors point to when they want the image at its most imposing.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 25 at nearly four feet tall places this among the scarcer, most collectible Peterson prints. The large format demands wall space and rewards it, functioning as a centerpiece rather than a supporting work. Its documented link to "Truth & Lies" adds context that seasoned collectors value beyond the image alone.
Historical Context
Peterson released this print in celebration of "Truth & Lies," a show of eleven original paintings chronicling the fracture of American political and social life around the 2020 election. That exhibition frame anchors the work firmly in its moment, making the large-format "World On Fire" a signature document of that period in his practice.
FAQ
Why is this edition so small?
It is a large-format release limited to just 25, a deliberately small run for a work at this monumental 48 x 36 inch scale.
What show is it connected to?
It was released to celebrate Peterson's exhibition "Truth & Lies," featuring eleven paintings about America's discord leading up to the 2020 election.
How is it different from the sculpture version?
This is a large flat screen print of the World On Fire image, distinct from the separate resin sculpture edition of the same title.
What paper is used?
290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges, printed by hand.
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.