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Emerging into an art world fixated on the possibilities for expression through painting, Sam Gilliam created work with color as the primary subject matter rather than any pictorial reference. Gilliam often accessed the vibrant and lively quality of his materials through music. He said, “Music was that presence that established a reservoir of thought in me that allowed me to build, to enjoy, to be free.” In this collage, expressive use of color, differently textured applications of paint, and incorporation of thread draw our eyes deeper into the composition.
July #15
Sam Gilliam (American, 1933 – 2022)
1984
Medium/Technique
Embossed and printed collage on handmade colored paper with acrylic paint and stitching
Dimensions
Sheet: 62.2 x 61.6 cm (24 1/2 x 24 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of James and Margie Krebs
Accession Number2008.1447
CollectionsContemporary Art, Americas
ClassificationsCollages
Emerging into an art world fixated on the possibilities for expression through painting, Sam Gilliam created work with color as the primary subject matter rather than any pictorial reference. Gilliam often accessed the vibrant and lively quality of his materials through music. He said, “Music was that presence that established a reservoir of thought in me that allowed me to build, to enjoy, to be free.” In this collage, expressive use of color, differently textured applications of paint, and incorporation of thread draw our eyes deeper into the composition.
DescriptionTandem Press
InscriptionsRecto, in graphite, l.c: July Sam Gilliam; Verso, in graphite, l.r: MP15
ProvenanceJames Krebs; by whom given to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. (Accession date: Decemner 17. 2008).
Copyright© [year] Sam Gilliam / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York