Sam Gilliam's art in the 1960s marks a period of significant innovation and transformation, leading to his emergence as a pioneering figure in the post-war American abstract art scene. This decade was crucial for Gilliam, both in terms of his personal development as an artist and his contributions to the broader art world. Upon moving to Washington, D.C., in 1962 with his wife Dorothy Butler, Gilliam found himself amidst the burgeoning Washington Color School. This movement, characterized by its focus on color field painting, provided a fertile ground for Gilliam's experimental inclinations. His engagement with the local art scene, especially his interactions with Thomas Downing, a core member of the Washington Color School, catalyzed his shift towards abstraction. Downing's encouragement to embrace a fully abstract style was pivotal, prompting Gilliam to delve into abstraction and explore its expressive potential​ (Wikipedia)​. The 1960s were also a time when Gilliam began to challenge the conventional boundaries of painting. His innovative Drape Paintings, for which he is best known, originated during this period. These works involved unstretched canvases that were draped and hung in a way that they could be reconfigured, thus breaking away from the traditional rectangular format and static presentation of paintings. This approach not only questioned the spatial and architectural constraints of painting but also introduced a dynamic, sculptural element to his work. The Drape Paintings represented a radical departure from the norm, blurring the lines between painting and sculpture, and between the artwork and its environment​ (Artsy)​. Moreover, the 1960s saw Gilliam experimenting with the physical properties of paint and the act of painting itself. Influenced by the staining techniques of Helen Frankenthaler and others in the Color Field movement, Gilliam explored the fluidity of acrylic paint, allowing colors to bleed and merge freely on the canvas. This technique emphasized the materiality of paint and the process of painting, foregrounding the sensual and experiential aspects of art-making. His work during this era, characterized by bold colors and abstract forms, demonstrated a keen interest in the effects of color and light, and a willingness to let the properties of his materials guide the creative process​ (TheCollector)​​ (Pace Gallery)​. Gilliam's contributions in the 1960s extended beyond his artistic innovations. He was actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement, reflecting his commitment to social and political issues. This engagement informed his art, imbuing it with a sense of urgency and relevance. While Gilliam's works from this period were abstract, they were not detached from the social and political context of the time. His involvement in the March on Washington and other activities underscored his belief in the power of art to address and reflect upon societal issues​ (Wikipedia)​. In summary, Sam Gilliam's work in the 1960s laid the groundwork for his recognition as an innovative force in abstract art. Through his Drape Paintings and his explorations of color and materiality, Gilliam expanded the possibilities of painting, offering new ways of understanding and experiencing art. His contributions during this decade not only advanced his own artistic practice but also had a lasting impact on the trajectory of American art.