Sam Gilliam Essay

901 Words2 Pages

Sam Gilliam: Ray II

Sam Gilliam is was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on November 30, 1933. He served in the United States Army for two years. He received his education from University of Louisville and is a world renowned color artist. Morris Louis and Ken Noland’s works of art had a huge impact on Sam Gilliam and his works. Gilliam taught in Louisville publics schools and many art colleges. He is known for his colorful and unique art. He was one of the first artists to not frame his art work instead he would just paint on a bare canvas or drapes. His art style is very modern and loud. When someone looks at his works of art they have instant imagination and questions. Gilliam leaves his works of art up for interpretation, there is no solid meaning to them. Anyone can make see whatever they want, his art allows for freedom and Ray II is no different.

When one first looks at Ray II they see a ray of bright colors that are arranged in no particular order. It was as if he was just having a good day and he through some paint on a canvas. I am no artist so that is definitely a method that I would use. When one looks at the painting more closely though, they see that the color paint comes from one focal point that is not present on the canvas. The pattern of the paint makes it look like the canvas is part of a bigger circle that has a centralized point with white splatters around the circle. The white is mainly on the bottom of the canvas. …show more content…

Ray II is just one painting of the Ray Series. The Ray series was described by other critics as using a wide range of colors, tones, and intensities. The critics must have been involved and enthralled in the painting if it won such an award. The Medal of Arts award is an award that is giving personal given by the President of the United States of America to individuals and groups. The public is allowed the make a nomination that the government will

More about Sam Gilliam Essay

Open Document