The artwork titled “Newly Little” created by artist Sam Gilliam in 2009 belongs to the art movement known as Abstract Expressionism and is categorized within the abstract genre. “Newly Little” is emblematic of Gilliam’s innovative approach to abstract painting, which often involves working the canvas free from traditional stretcher bars, resulting in a sculptural and fluid form that challenges conventional perceptions of painting.
In analyzing the artwork, one can observe a complex composition with multiple panels, each showcasing a distinct interplay of colors and textures. The uppermost section appears to be a dynamic splash of colors ranging from vibrant yellows and reds to more subtle whites, structured in a seemingly spontaneous yet controlled manner. Beneath this explosion of color, there is a panel with deep blues and swirling maroon hues that merge into a slightly turbulent fusion, reminiscent of a churning sea at night.
The lower section of the artwork contrasts sharply with the more vivid panels above. It features a calm and muted palette, evoking a sense of quiet and ethereal space, possibly alluding to a landscape blanketed in a mist or soft light. This juxtaposition of intensity with tranquility creates a visually stimulating experience and implies a narrative or emotive progression.
Throughout “Newly Little,” Gilliam’s gestural brushwork and his use of gravity to direct the paint create an artwork that is not only an exploration of color and form but also a testament to the physical process of painting itself.
