The Generation Below Them

Summer 1992, sold by the artist, Sam Gilliam (Washington D. C.), to Dr. Donald M. and Nancy Eiler (Madison, WI); May 2007, Dr. Donald and Nancy Eiler deposited on long-term loan to the Chazen Museum of Art; April 2014, gifted to the Chazen Museum of Art

• Binstock, Jonathan P. "Sam Gilliam: A Retrospective." exhib. cat. Berkeley: University of California Press; Washington, DC: Corcoran Gallery of Art, 2005. pp. 133, 135-136, 184, no. 39
• Martin, Courtney J., Fred Moten, Hans Ulrich Obrist. "Sam Gilliam: Existed Existing." New York: Pace Gallery, 2020. pp. 86-87
• Hofmann, George. "Physicality: An Exhibition on Color Dimensionality in Painting." New York: Hunter College of the City University of New York, 1991. p. 10

• Sam Gilliam: A Retrospective: Corcoran Gallery of Art, 10/15/2005–5/6/2007
• Physicality: An Exhibition on Color Dimensionality in Painting: Hunter College Art Galleries, 3/5/1991–3/30/1991
• Sam Gilliam: Recent Paintings: Barbara Fendrick Gallery, New York, 11/15/1989–12/16/1989

This large abstract painting features layers of geometric-shaped panels covered in thickly applied black paint with vibrant bursts of color. The panels are of various shapes, including circular rings and semicircles of varying sizes, layered on top of a trapezoidal panel. The painting’s surface is highly textured, with deep grooves of parallel lines in the thickly applied paint. The dominating color is a deep black, but vibrant yellows, blues, reds, and purples peek through, the stark contrast creating a sense of depth. The highly textured paint, in addition to the three-dimensionality of the panels, enhances the tactile quality of the work. The overall impression is one of movement and complexity, where the dark, weighty forms are punctuated by flashes of chromatic intensity.

• North America
• Paintings
• Alt Text Accessible

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