Collection: Wiggins, Kim

Kim Wiggins’ distinct style and modern vision of the West has made him one of the most recognizable artists in America today. As one of the creative forerunners behind the current New West Movement he is also a prominent speaker encouraging innovation in Western art. Growing up on a ranch in New Mexico, Wiggins was self-taught. He was discovered by an art dealer from Scottsdale in the mid 1970’s. By 1983 he was the youngest member of the Society of American Impressionists (SAI), exhibiting alongside Robert Daughters, Walt Gonske and Sandy Scott. During the mid-1980’s he experimented with various forms of modernism eventually leading to his unique approach.

As a modern innovator, his finest work merges symbolism with the American West and is found in the permanent collection of the American Museum of Western Art, Autry Museum of the American West, Briscoe Western Art Museum, Booth Western Art Museum, Museum of New Mexico, The Anschutz Collection, Tulane University and others.

Wiggins is listed in Who’s Who in American Art and Who’s Who in the World and has been honored with numerous accolades. Awards include the 2020 Gold Medal for Best Narrative at the Autry Museum, the 2018 Briscoe Museum’s William B. Travis Award for Patron’s Choice, the 2014 New Mexico Historical Society’s Heritage Award, the Jackie Autry Special Purchase in 2005 and the People’s Choice at the Painters and the American West Exhibit in 2000. Career highlights include a large collection of major works by Wiggins documenting the history of California housed at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, often the centerpiece for backstage interviews such as the Grammy Awards. Kim Wiggins is represented by Manitou Galleries, Santa Fe, NM; Maxwell Alexander Gallery, Los Angeles, CA; Settlers West Galleries, Tucson, AZ.