SAM FRANCIS "FIREWOOD" SCREENPRINT, 1973 1956 emphasizes the bird's powerful presence

emphasizes the bird's powerful presence and significance

to consider how it is created and contained on the picture plane

Behind Clarivel hangs an image of Stevie Wonder's 1980 album Hotter Than July - its presence is a reminder of how important vision and representation are in Thomas' oeuvre

Click here to see another example of Sam Gilliam using comparable materials

SAM FRANCIS "FIREWOOD" SCREENPRINT, 1973 1956 emphasizes the bird's powerful presenceSam Francis (1923 1994) is one of the most distinctive and collected 20th century abstract artists. Francis began painting during convalescence from an injury sustained during a plane crash whilst serving in WWII. Initially used as a distraction, he committed himself fully to painting upon his return to the United states in the mid 40's, pouring his focus in to artistic education. After receiving a Masters in art from UC Berkley in 1950, Francis moved