In Celebration 1983

Sam Gilliam made “In Celebration” using acrylic on canvas. Looking at the paint splattered on the canvas, it’s clear artmaking here is a process. It’s like Gilliam is saying, “Here’s the recipe, watch me cook!” The texture's all over the place – wild splashes, controlled curves. He’s not trying to hide anything; you see every flick of the wrist, every decision. The way the colors interact, there’s this sense of freedom, like jazz. Take that red shape floating near the top. It's like a burst of energy, pulling you in, making you want to dance with the painting. It reminds me of Joan Mitchell, someone else who wasn't afraid to let the paint do its thing. Art is like a conversation that never ends. There’s no one right answer, just different ways of seeing and feeling.