Cleon Peterson paints something tribal, an undercurrent of tension and violence, the shadow side of the self. Though at time we can see it at its fulcrum, on the surface, the paintings capture a dangerously ravenous human spirit. Peterson draws from classical art and modern graphic design, reminiscent of ancient Greek pottery combined with that sort of intense contemporary political backdrop. His work challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about violence and control in society, making it both provocative and incredibly relevant. It seems quite perfect that Cleon’s show, The Breath of Darkness, would open this week at Studio Cromie in Southern Italy, an election week filled with untenable discourse, full of ominious paintings and the rage within. —Evan Pricco
