The Petition

Sam Gilliam, The Petition, 1990, mixed media, assembled: 96 x 60 x 32 in. (243.8 x 152.4 x 81.3 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James F. Dicke Family, 2006.38A-G, © 1990, Sam Gilliam

Artwork Details

Title
The Petition
Artist
Date
1990
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
assembled: 96 x 60 x 32 in. (243.8 x 152.4 x 81.3 cm)
Copyright
© 1990, Sam Gilliam
Credit Line
Gift of the James F. Dicke Family
Mediums Description
mixed media
Classifications
Subjects
  • Abstract
Object Number
2006.38A-G
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2006.38A-G

Artwork Description

Gilliam laid down thick paint color over color and then raked the surface to reveal the multiple hues beneath. Edges are crisp and three-dimensional. Arches intersect and reach out, articulating positive form and empty space before spiraling back to draw the viewer into the work’s industrial physicality. The Petition reflects a world created by man. Its materials – sheet metal, aluminum honeycomb, and industrial-weight paint – allowed no accidents in its construction.


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Works by this artist (22 items)

View all artworks
Sam Gilliam, Swing, 1969, acrylic and aluminum on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. Edwin Janss, Jr., 1973.189
Swing
Artist
Date1969
acrylic and aluminum on canvas
On view
Sam Gilliam, Buoy Landscape IV, from the suite Buoy Landscape, 1982, intaglio with screenprint on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Glen D. Nelson, M.D., 1998.57.9.4, © 1982, Vermillion Editions Limited, Inc. and Sam Gilliam; Minneapolis, MN
Buoy Landscape IV, from the suite Buoy Landscape
Artist
Date1982
intaglio with screenprint on paper
Not on view
Sam Gilliam, Buoy Landscape III, from the suite Buoy Landscape, 1982, intaglio with screenprint on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Glen D. Nelson, M.D., 1998.57.9.3, © 1982, Vermillion Editions Limited, Inc. and Sam Gilliam; Minneapolis, MN
Buoy Landscape III, from the suite Buoy Landscape
Artist
Date1982
intaglio with screenprint on paper
Not on view
Sam Gilliam, Campus Center View, 1967-1977, painted fiber and paper, wood, stone, fabric, and plastic assembled on wood base in plexiglass case, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, Art-in-Architecture Program, 1979.159.42
Campus Center View
Artist
Date1967-1977
painted fiber and paper, wood, stone, fabric, and plastic assembled on wood base in plexiglass case
Not on view