Born 1933, Sam Gilliam was an African American colour field painter. He was part of a group of Washington D.C. artists that developed the abstract style of paintings known as colour field painting. As I have been looking more into expanded painting, Gilliam's work strikes me. He abandons the need for stretcher bars and instead hangs his canvas on hooks. Since the coronavirus restrictions, I haven't had much studio access. Especially to create my own canvases. Since I don't have a wood workshop at home. I did consider buying stretcher bars online however I felt this opportunity presented itself as a chance to dive into expanded painting.
Sam Gilliam, 1970, Simmering, [Acrylic on canvas and leather string], Tate, London.
I am able to compare this with my paper casts. There's something similar about them visually. It reminded of similar fabric pieces I'd done previously in my 3rd year. Where I had dipped fabric in starch and hung them dry so they would hold the drape. I know I could do something similar with my paintings. Gilliam's work here really helped me understand how I would physically achieve my final result.
Tate. (). Sam Gilliam. Available: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/sam-gilliam-1170. Last accessed 28th Feb 2020.
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