Accession Number
2008/1.149.2

Title
B. Footprint Choreography

Artist(s)
Sam Gilliam

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
1996-2008

Medium & Support
photograph on paper

Dimensions
20 11/16 in x 22 5/8 in x 1 1/2 in (52.55 cm x 57.47 cm x 3.81 cm);20 11/16 in x 22 5/8 in x 1 1/2 in (52.55 cm x 57.47 cm x 3.81 cm)

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

Subject matter
It appears 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 and these designs, perhaps intended to be placed on the ceiling for this project, are reminiscent of the placement of some of his work. 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 he 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.

Gilliam worked with the University of Michigan in 1998, when he was comissioned to create a sculpture, The Real Blue, for the University of Michigan School of Social Work Library.

Physical Description
This is a series of eleven photographs in a grid of four rows and three columns.  The photographs are of a spiral shaped metallic sculpture against an off white sheet. Some spirals have blue and yellow accents. In the top right corner there is a floor plan of the Duderstadt center with labels for areas 1-5 and other details.

Primary Object Classification
Photograph

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)
sculpture (visual works)
studies (visual works)