Sam Gilliam, born in 1933 in Mississippi, is a pioneering figure in American abstract art, particularly known for his innovative approach to color, form, and material in painting. Associated with the Washington Color School and later the Color Field movement, Gilliam is celebrated for his draped and suspended canvas works that defy traditional framing and explore the possibilities of painting as an immersive, sculptural experience. His vibrant, improvisational use of color and his experimentation with new techniques, such as staining and folding canvas, pushed the boundaries of abstract expressionism in the 1960s and 1970s. Gilliam's work is characterized by its dynamism, freedom, and expressive energy, reflecting a profound engagement with both the physical and emotional dimensions of art-making. His influence on contemporary art extends beyond his innovative techniques to his commitment to expanding the possibilities of painting, making him a seminal figure in American abstraction.