In the 1980s, Sam Gilliam continued to evolve his artistic practice, notably through his innovative Quilt paintings. These works marked a significant departure from his earlier Drape paintings, demonstrating his ongoing exploration of texture, form, and the intersection between painting and sculpture. Inspired by jazz music as well as the visual culture of African American quilts, Gilliam's Quilt paintings were characterized by layers of thick acrylic paint applied to canvas, which were then cut into geometric shapes and rearranged into complex, abstract patterns​ (Artland Magazine)​. This period in Gilliam's career was marked by a broader experimentation with materials and forms. While the Quilt paintings exemplify Gilliam's engagement with the tactile and the rhythmic—echoing the improvisational qualities of jazz—his work from this decade also reflects a deep interest in the sculptural potential of painting. By manipulating the canvas in new ways, Gilliam continued to challenge and expand the boundaries of abstract painting, blurring the lines between different artistic mediums and traditions. Despite the innovative nature of his work during this time, Gilliam faced a period of perceived decline in attention from the art world in the 1980s and 1990s. However, he never ceased to exhibit widely and complete numerous large-scale public and private commissions​ (Something Curated)​. His dedication to pushing the limits of his practice ensured his lasting impact on generations of contemporary artists, establishing him as a pivotal figure in postwar American art. Gilliam's work from the 1980s, particularly the Quilt paintings, stands as a testament to his relentless creativity and his ability to reinvent the medium of painting. Through these and other works, Gilliam forged new paths in abstract art, influencing not only his contemporaries but also future generations of artists​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Something Curated)​.