In the 2010s, Sam Gilliam continued to showcase his innovative spirit and mastery in abstract painting, receiving significant attention and accolades for his contributions to contemporary art. Throughout this decade, Gilliam, recognized for his pioneering work with Drape paintings and his association with the Washington Color School, remained active, producing new artworks that expanded on his earlier explorations of color, form, and the materiality of paint. A significant aspect of Gilliam's work during this period involved his continued experimentation with the tondo form—circular artworks that integrated bold colors and metallic frames, characteristic of his sculptural approach to painting. This was highlighted in a major exhibition at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., which featured an earlier body of Gilliam’s tondo paintings, showcasing the seamless blend of Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism within his work​ (Pace Gallery)​. Gilliam's innovative use of materials was evident in his use of various scraping tools, including metal rakes, to create textural nuances on the surfaces of these tondos, often revealing complex textural layers beneath. His work during this time synthesized different threads of his artistic practice, marrying forms associated with Renaissance painting to the aesthetics of modern abstract movements​ (Pace Gallery)​. By the end of his career, Gilliam's work began to see renewed national and international attention, with his contributions being reexamined and celebrated across several publications and exhibitions. His late-career milestones included creating a work for permanent display in the lobby of the newly opened National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016, and exhibiting for a second time at the Venice Biennale in 2017, underscoring his lasting impact on the field of contemporary art​ (The Museum of Modern Art)​. Throughout the 2010s, Gilliam's work continued to challenge and inspire, demonstrating his enduring relevance in the art world. His legacy is one of innovation, characterized by a continuous exploration of the possibilities of abstract painting and a profound influence on subsequent generations of artists.