Ibis 1987

Sam Gilliam made Ibis out of paint and other media, and it looks like he had a blast doing it. The colors are light, floating, and full of playful energy. I can imagine Gilliam in his studio, turning this way and that, adding layer upon layer, building up these two panels with distinct shapes that create a dynamic composition. It's like a conversation between forms, each one responding to the other. You can see how the paint is applied, thick in some places, thin in others, creating a textured surface that invites you to reach out and touch it. There's a particular gesture in the arc on the left that feels so immediate, full of intention and movement. Gilliam's work has always pushed the boundaries of what painting can be, and this piece is no exception. It makes me think of other artists who experimented with form and color, like Frank Stella. There’s an ongoing exchange of ideas across time, inspiring each other’s creativity. Painting embraces ambiguity and uncertainty, allowing for multiple interpretations and meanings.