Sam Gilliam's tondo paintings represent a fascinating aspect of his oeuvre, where he steps into bold, vibrant colors and integrates metallic frames and linear incisions characteristic of his sculptural works. This series underscores Gilliam's continuous exploration of form, color, and texture, as he employs various scraping tools, including metal rakes, to add marks and textural idiosyncrasies to the surfaces of these circular paintings. The use of these tools often exposes rich textural layers underneath, revealing the depth and complexity of his approach to abstraction (Pace Gallery).
The tondo, a circular form of artwork, is often associated with Renaissance painting, but Gilliam reinterprets it through the aesthetics of both Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism. This synthesis of different artistic traditions within a form that evokes classical art history showcases Gilliam's innovative approach to contemporary art. His tondos incorporate the expressive, gestural qualities of Abstract Expressionism with the clean, geometric lines of Minimalism, creating a dialogue between these two dominant movements of the 20th century (Pace Gallery).
Gilliam's tondo paintings were notably featured in a major 2022 exhibition at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., highlighting the importance of these works within his broader artistic practice. One work from this series, "Lucky" (2021), exemplifies Gilliam's mastery of color and form, and was included in the subsequent presentations at both Pace and David Kordansky galleries, further solidifying the significance of the tondo series in Gilliam's late career (Pace Gallery).
This series is a testament to Gilliam's lifelong commitment to pushing the boundaries of painting and sculpture. By embracing the tondo format, Gilliam not only nods to art history but also challenges contemporary notions of abstract art, proving once again his role as an innovator and a pivotal figure in the development of post-war American art. The tondo series, with its unique blend of historical reference and modern abstraction, offers a compelling insight into Gilliam's artistic journey and his unceasing experimentation with shape, color, and material.
