Artist:

Sam Gilliam, born Tupelo, MS 1933-died Washington, DC 2022  Search this

Medium:

acrylic and aluminum on canvas

Dimensions:

119 5/8 x 283 1/2 in. (303.8 x 720.1 cm)

Type:

Painting

Date:

1969

Gallery Label:

Known for inviting chance and change into his process, Sam Gilliam created Swing by folding and crumpling canvas that he had soaked in paint. Once dry, the bundled fabric was opened and hung to reveal dazzling fields of spontaneous color and pattern.

The title Swing reflects the swagged shape of the painting, hanging free of stretcher bars. The word also evokes Gilliam's desire to "just work and let things go," like the bebop and jazz musicians he liked to listen to while painting.

Topic:

Abstract  Search this

Credit Line:

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. Edwin Janss, Jr.

Object number:

1973.189

Restrictions & Rights:

Usage conditions apply

See more items in:

Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection

Department:

Painting and Sculpture

On View:

Smithsonian American Art Museum, 3rd Floor, North Wing

Data Source:

Smithsonian American Art Museum

GUID:

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/vk7dbb31481-2ce0-437b-9876-f3c512d26a3a

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:saam_1973.189