The Petition

Sam Gilliam, The Petition, 1990, mixed media, assembled: 966032 in. (243.8152.481.3 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: 966032 in. (243.8152.481.3 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

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.


African Amderican Art: Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era, and Beyond, 2012

Works by this artist (9 items)

Edward Hopper, Ryder's House, 1933, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Henry Ward Ranger through the National Academy of Design, 1981.76
Ryder’s House
Date1933
oil on canvas
On view
Edward Hopper, People in the Sun, 1960, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., 1969.47.61
People in the Sun
Date1960
oil on canvas
On view
Edward Hopper, Cape Cod Morning, 1950, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Sara Roby Foundation, 1986.6.92
Cape Cod Morning
Date1950
oil on canvas
On view
Edward Hopper, (Standing Nude), n.d., charcoal on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Exchange with the Whitney Museum of American Art, 1972.16
(Standing Nude)
Daten.d.
charcoal on paper
Not on view