Swing

Sam Gilliam, Swing, 1969, acrylic and aluminum on canvas, 119 58283 12 in. (303.8720.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. Edwin Janss, Jr., 1973.189

Artwork Details

Title
Swing
Artist
Date
1969
Dimensions
119 58283 12 in. (303.8720.1 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Edwin Janss, Jr.
Mediums Description
acrylic and aluminum on canvas
Classifications
Highlights
Subjects
  • Abstract
Object Number
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 (22 items)

Sam Gilliam, Swing, 1969, acrylic and aluminum on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. Edwin Janss, Jr., 1973.189
Swing
Date1969
acrylic and aluminum on canvas
On view
Sam Gilliam, Lattice I, from the suite Lattice, 1982, color itaglio with lithograph on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Glen D. Nelson, M.D., 1998.57.10, © 1982, Vermillion Editions Limited, Inc. and Sam Gilliam; Minneapolis, MN
Lattice I, from the suite Lattice
Date1982
color itaglio with lithograph 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
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
Date1967-1977
painted fiber and paper, wood, stone, fabric, and plastic assembled on wood base in plexiglass case
Not on view