Accession Number
2008/1.149.9

Title
Sample Anodized Aluminum with Screenprint

Artist(s)
Sam Gilliam

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
1996-2008

Medium & Support
anodized aluminum

Dimensions
7 3/4 in x 13 3/16 in x 1 1/16 in (19.68 cm x 33.5 cm x 2.7 cm);7 3/4 in x 13 3/16 in x 1 1/16 in (19.68 cm x 33.5 cm x 2.7 cm)

Credit Line
Transfer from the University of Michigan Art, Architecture and Engineering Libraries

Subject matter
It appears that this was part of a project study for the entrance atrium area of the University of Michigan Duderstadt center, although it is unclear if it was installed. Sam Gilliam is best known for his drape paintings which blur the line between painting and sculpture. Gilliam began working with metals in the late 1980s and 1990s, when he started doing outdoor public art comissions. He is known for experimenting with surfaces and textures, and abandoned the standard canvas fairly early in his career. Unlike many other African American artists working during the same periods, Gilliam has achieved great success. Notably, his work has done well at auction. Several of his paintings were auctioned at Swann's first African American art auction in 2007. Gilliam has exhibited nationally and internationally, and his work is included in the permanent collections of major museums.

Physical Description
A white rectangular anodized aluminum plate with two laser-cut abstract designs.

Primary Object Classification
Mixed Media

Collection Area
Modern and Contemporary

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
Abstract (fine arts style)
African American
aluminum (metal)
mixed media
studies (visual works)