Sam Gilliam's exploration of paper as a medium for his abstract works is evident in two significant series that span different periods of his career. The "New Works on Paper" series, created in 2019 and exhibited at The FLAG Art Foundation, showcases Gilliam's process-based approach to abstract painting. These twelve large-scale works were made on Washi paper, a traditional Japanese paper known for its durability and texture. Gilliam soaked the paper in vibrant watercolor and acrylic paints, manipulating the folds and creases to create dynamic compositions that mirror each other rhythmically. The resulting pieces exhibit a sense of atmospheric depth and improvisatory color blending reminiscent of jazz, reflecting Gilliam's long-standing practice of using color freely to evoke the drama of music and colors coming together (The FLAG Art Foundation).
Earlier in his career, during a highly formative period from 1967 to 1970, Gilliam developed a series of works on paper that included folded and stained works, expressionistic applications of medium, and calligraphic ink and wash works. This series, which aligns with his experiments leading to his iconic Beveled-edge and Drape paintings, was featured in the "Starting: Works on Paper 1967–1970" exhibition at David Kordansky Gallery. The exhibition highlighted over a dozen early works that were divided into typologies reflecting Gilliam's exploration of watercolors and ink on paper. These early works on paper are crucial in understanding Gilliam's broader artistic practice, showing his innovative use of materials and forms that would define his later iconic works (David Kordansky Gallery).
Gilliam's work on paper, spanning from the late 1960s to his later years, illustrates his enduring commitment to abstraction, his innovative spirit, and his ability to constantly reinvent his style across different mediums. From the Rock Creek series in the late 1960s to the expansive works on Washi paper in 2019, Gilliam's paper works serve as a testament to his ceaseless exploration of color, form, and the material possibilities of paper (Artsy).