Cleon Peterson (b. 1973) paints never-ending battles as social commentary. Hulking warriors fight against blank backdrops and sometimes sprawl across city streets. The acrylic paintings use a dramatic palette made up mostly of black, white, yellow and red. The imagery is bold, crisp and hard-edged.
Peterson was born in Seattle, Washington, and lives and works in Los Angeles. His style draws on Ancient Greek vases and on his past profession as a graphic designer. The works also include references to fascist WWII propaganda posters, whose high-contrast hues and stark shapes he nods to. For Avant Arte he designed a limited edition tote bag, made in collaboration with the social enterprise re-wrap. The design encircles all four sides of the bag with a minimalist wartime scene in black and beige.
