Populated with monochromatic characters, Cleon Peterson’s artworks are reminiscent of Grecian urns with their flattened figures. At the core, Peterson’s graphic work is about oppression. Violent struggles are illustrated with a dose of melodrama, adding a dose of ridiculousness to the over-the-top violence. These abstract struggles don’t take place in any specific social milieu, inviting the viewers to question whether this is a battle of good and evil or whether such a battle truly exists. Peterson will open a solo show at The Outsiders in London titled “There is a War,” on view July 5 through August 3. Take a look at some of the artworks in the show below.
