Object Details
Artist
Sam Gilliam, born Tupelo, MS 1933-died Washington, DC 2022
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.
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. Edwin Janss, Jr.
Date
1969
Object number
1973.189
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Painting
Medium
acrylic and aluminum on canvas
Dimensions
119 5/8 x 283 1/2 in. (303.8 x 720.1 cm)
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
Topic
Abstract
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_1973.189