Accession Number2008/1.149.3
TitleC. Color Study
Artist(s)Sam GilliamArtist NationalityAmerican (North American)Object Creation Date1996-2008Medium & Supportaluminum and paintDimensions 15 13/16 in x 32 13/16 in x 1 7/16 in (40.1 cm x 83.4 cm x 3.7 cm);15 13/16 in x 32 13/16 in x 1 7/16 in (40.1 cm x 83.4 cm x 3.7 cm)
Credit LineTransfer from the University of Michigan Art, Architecture and Engineering LibrariesSubject matterIt appears this was part of a project study for the entrance atrium area of the 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 these were perhaps designs for the ceiling 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 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 DescriptionThree prints mounted on paper with black backgrounds. Each print shows a large outline of the floor plan of the Duderstadt center filled with swatches of color over which is laid a grid of small outline floor plans of the Duderstadt center in black, looking like mishapen black polka dots.
Primary Object ClassificationMixed MediaCollection AreaModern and ContemporaryRightsIf 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
African American
floor plans (form attributes)
studies (visual works)
