Swing

Sam Gilliam, Swing, 1969, acrylic and aluminum on canvas, 119 5⁄8 x 283 1⁄2 in. (303.8 x 720.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. Edwin Janss, Jr., 1973.189

Artwork Details

Title
Swing
Artist
Date
1969
Location
Dimensions
119 5⁄8 x 283 1⁄2 in. (303.8 x 720.1 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Edwin Janss, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
acrylic and aluminum on canvas
Classifications
Highlights
Subjects
  • Abstract
Object Number
1973.189
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1973.189

Artwork Description

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.

Works by this artist (132 items)

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Man Ray, Square Dumb Bells, 1944 or 1945, cast bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Juliet Man Ray, 1983.105.17A-B
Square Dumb Bells
Artist
Date1944 or 1945
cast bronze
On view
Man Ray, Fisherman's Idol, cast 1973, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Juliet Man Ray, 1983.105.7
Fisherman’s Idol
Artist
Datecast 1973
bronze
On view
Man Ray, Its Another Spring, 1961, mixed media: metal spring, ivory ball, and wooden cigar box, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Juliet Man Ray, 1983.105.6
Its Another Spring
Artist
Date1961
mixed media: metal spring, ivory ball, and wooden cigar box
On view
Man Ray, Le Voyeur, 1965, wooden cigar box with inserted door lens, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Juliet Man Ray, 1983.105.4
Le Voyeur
Artist
Date1965
wooden cigar box with inserted door lens
On view

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