Sam Gilliam's Drape paintings, emerging in the mid-1960s, signify a transformative period in abstract art, highlighting his departure from traditional forms and practices. Gilliam, who moved to Washington, D.C. in 1962, was deeply influenced by the Washington Color School and its emphasis on Color Field painting, a movement that sought to reduce abstraction to its essence of pure color. Within this context, Gilliam's work began to evolve, leading to the innovation for which he is most celebrated: the Drape paintings (Artland Magazine) (Smithsonian American Art Museum).
These artworks are characterized by their radical presentation—unstretched canvases that are draped, hung, or suspended in space, blurring the lines between painting, sculpture, and installation. Inspired by the sight of laundry hanging from lines, Gilliam saw potential in the canvas's materiality, allowing it to fold and flow freely within the exhibition space. This method not only challenged the conventional display of paintings but also introduced a dynamic element to the work, as the canvases could be rearranged and displayed in various forms, making each installation unique (Smithsonian American Art Museum).
The Drape paintings are recognized for their vibrant application of color and the innovative way Gilliam applied paint. By staining and manipulating the canvas while the paint was still wet, he created complex, fluid color fields that transcended the flatness typically associated with canvas painting. These works, emblematic of Color Field painting, retained the movement's focus on the visual and emotional impact of color while incorporating elements of action painting's spontaneity and expressiveness (TheCollector).
Sam Gilliam's contributions through his Drape paintings and beyond have been pivotal in redefining abstract art's possibilities. His work transcended the boundaries between different art forms and challenged preconceived notions about the relationship between an artwork and its space. By doing so, Gilliam not only advanced the aesthetic and conceptual aims of the Color Field movement but also engaged in a broader dialogue about the nature of artistic expression and its potential for social and political commentary (Artland Magazine) (TheCollector).
Gilliam's innovative approach to painting and his exploration of color, form, and space have cemented his legacy as a key figure in American abstract art, influencing generations of artists and continually challenging viewers' perceptions of what painting can be.