Sam Gilliam (American, b. 1933). Large mixed media artwork on handmade paper titled “Butterfly Days.” Acrylic, polypropylene, monoprint and paper collage on handmade paper. The t-shaped composition is filled with overlapping patterns in bold colors, resembling a batik fabric. The paper is highly textured in ridges, the embossing adding a level of dimensionality to the patterns. There are three applied strips of iridescent material along the lower center of the composition; almost invisible at first, integrated into the pattern, they gleam when viewed from an angle. Likely signed and dated along the verso; due to the nature of the mounting, we are unable to view the verso.

Provenance: William Weege, Wisconsin, 1986; Private collection, Minnesota Sam Gilliam and William Weege were friends and collaborators, and Gilliam’s “Butterfly Days” series was produced at Weege’s studio in Wisconsin.

Sight; height: 44 in x width: 56 in. Framed; height: 55 in x 65 in.