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 (42 items)

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William Christenberry, River House, 1980, wood, construction board, paperboard, metal, and dirt, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Benjamin P. Nicolette, 1994.92
River House
Artist
Date1980
wood, construction board, paperboard, metal, and dirt
On view
William Christenberry, 5¢, Demopolis, Alabama, 1978, chromogenic print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Benjamin P. Nicolette, 2006.31.4
5¢, Demopolis, Alabama
Artist
Date1978
chromogenic print
Not on view
William Christenberry, Memory Form, 1998, monoprint, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Louis M. and Sally B. Kaplan, 2009.2.1
Memory Form
Artist
Date1998
monoprint
Not on view
William Christenberry, Church, Sprott, Alabama, 1971, printed 1981, dye transfer print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1984.26.1, © 1971, William Christenberry
Church, Sprott, Alabama
Artist
Date1971, printed 1981
dye transfer print
Not on view

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