Sam Gilliam, pioneer of draped canvases, dies at 88

Sam Gilliam (1933–2022), the visionary artist known for transforming painting through his sculptural draped canvases, passed away on June 25 at the age of 88. Initially recognized as a member of the Washington Color School alongside Kenneth Noland and Gene Davis, his significant breakthrough occurred in 1968 with his Drape paintings. Gilliam's technique involved allowing paint to flow freely on the canvas, which he then knotted and suspended in graceful, crumpled forms from gallery ceilings. His work, such as Fan Craze (1973), showcases vibrant red fields interspersed with yellow and blue, resembling a four-petalled flower. Despite being compared to Jackson Pollock, his prominence waned due to the abstract nature of his art lacking explicit racial themes. A revival of interest began in 2012 when artist Rashid Johnson and gallerist David Kordansky proposed a show, leading to exhibitions at prestigious venues like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Hirshhorn Museum. Gilliam is survived by his wife and three children.