Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Zig-Zag (Black)
Summary
Zig-Zag (Black), 2023, is a 16 x 24 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. The Black variant strips the composition to Peterson's essential vocabulary of stark contrast and restless, angular movement.
Why It Matters
The Black colorway represents Peterson at his most reductive and graphic, the register that first defined his reputation. A title like Zig-Zag suggests fractured, erratic motion, echoing the chaos and instability at the heart of his subjects. This is the artist's core visual language in concentrated form.
Collector Perspective
The pure black-and-white treatment is often the most sought register for Peterson collectors, prized for its uncompromising clarity. At 16 x 24 inches with an edition of 75 on premium rag, it frames cleanly and pairs well with other sheets in the series. It offers a strong representation of the artist's signature style.
Historical Context
Peterson built his early recognition on rigorously black-and-white tableaux, a palette that mirrors the moral starkness of his themes. The Black variants in his 2023 self-released run deliberately return to that foundational aesthetic. Distributed directly to collectors, they underscore continuity with the work that made his name.
FAQ
Why is the Black variant significant?
It renders the work in Peterson's foundational black-and-white palette.
What is the edition size?
A signed and numbered edition of 75.
What are the dimensions?
The sheet measures 16 x 24 inches.
What stock is it printed on?
290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
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.