Lattice 1981

Sam Gilliam made "Lattice" with paint on paper, and right away I’m drawn to its sunny disposition. Yellow can be a tough colour, but here it feels warm, almost hopeful, like early morning light. What strikes me is Gilliam's process. He seems to be layering colours, allowing them to peek through, creating a sense of depth. Up close, you can see tiny flecks of red, blue, and white dancing across the surface. It’s as if he’s building the painting, bit by bit, each mark a small decision in a larger conversation. See how the yellow pools around the edges of the circle, creating a soft halo effect? That detail alone opens up the whole piece for me. Gilliam's work reminds me a bit of Helen Frankenthaler, both artists exploring colour and form in such a playful, experimental way. Art isn’t about answers, but about asking questions and embracing the beautiful messiness of it all.