Modernica stands in solidarity with our friend and longtime collaborator, Cleon Peterson, in the wake of an unimaginable loss. Cleon lost both his family home and art studio in the catastrophic Eaton Fires, along with an irreplaceable body of work—paintings that were meant for two upcoming exhibitions.

“In the wake of losing my home, my studio, and an entire catalog of works, the natural impulse was to feel overwhelmed— to sink under the weight of something so devastatingly out of my control,” says Cleon. “When destruction on that scale comes, it strips away not just possessions, but a sense of stability, of history, of the future you thought you were building.”

In response, Modernica is releasing a special collection—The Divide—to directly support Cleon and his family. This limited-edition series features nine unique Upholstered Side Shells on Eiffel Tower Bases and an Upholstered Arm Shell Rocker, each hand-signed by Cleon. The collection embodies his bold and uncompromising artistic vision, transforming devastation into a testament of survival.

“The stark contrast of black and white in these designs represents the space between despair and resilience, between destruction and creation. It is a meditation on loss, but also on survival,” Cleon reflects. “When things are at their lowest, we stand at a place where we must make a choice: to be consumed by devastation or to step forward into something new. This series stands at that intersection—a reminder that even in destruction, there is the possibility of transformation.” 

As a Los Angeles-based company, Modernica believes in the power of community. 100% of profits from this collection will go directly to Cleon and his family to help them rebuild.

“These chairs are more than objects; they are a testament to the community that lifts us up when we fall,” Cleon says.

“They exist because of the belief that art persists, that creation can rise from the ashes, and that even in the darkest moments, we must not surrender to despair—we must continue on.”

 Each item is a limited edition and will be hand signed by Cleon Peterson.