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, G.D.S., 1978, screenprint on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Donald A. Brown, 1978.168.39, © 1978, Sam Gilliam
G.D.S.
Date1978
screenprint on paper
Not on view
Sam Gilliam, Art Ramp Angle Brown, 1978, acrylic and oil enamel on canvas and nylon, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, Art-in-Architecture Program, 1979.159.41
Art Ramp Angle Brown
Date1978
acrylic and oil enamel on canvas and nylon
Not on view
Sam Gilliam, Green Web, 1967, acrylic on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Woodward Foundation, 1977.48.3
Green Web
Date1967
acrylic on canvas
Not on view