Relative 1968

Sam Gilliam created "Relative" using acrylic and dyes on canvas, and in doing so pushes the boundaries of what we consider painting to be. Gilliam was interested in the way in which institutions such as museums shape how we view art. Made in the USA, "Relative" stands apart from traditional painting because it is not on a stretcher. Instead, it hangs freely, challenging the traditional notion of painting as a flat, static object. Gilliam’s work emerged during a period of social and political upheaval in the United States, specifically the Civil Rights Movement. His abstraction can be seen as a response to the social and political climate of his time, offering a space for contemplation and reflection. Understanding Gilliam's work requires us to consider the socio-political context in which it was created. By consulting historical documents, we can gain a deeper understanding of Gilliam's artistic vision and its significance in the history of art.