“The Unexpected West” by Kim Wiggins

Step into the vibrant and revolutionary world of Kim Wiggins, where the spirit of the American West is reimagined through the bold and evocative lens of ‘The Unexpected West’ art exhibition. Celebrated as a pioneer of the New West Movement, Wiggins melds his rich southwestern heritage with an innovative twist that challenges conventional perceptions of Western art.

Born and raised on a ranch in southern New Mexico, Wiggins’ creative dexterity was acknowledged early on when he was discovered as a prodigious talent. From the sprawling vistas of his childhood to the European landscapes where he served in the military, Wiggins draws upon a diverse tapestry of experiences that have shaped his iconic style. He spent time in Europe deepening his understanding of the grand masters, which led to his vibrant fusion of traditional subjects with modernist flair.

‘The Unexpected West’ delivers an electrifying visual narrative that celebrates the raw beauty, rugged individualism, and the untamed wilderness that are synonymous with the American West, yet it infuses a contemporary vitality that resonates with today’s audiences. Wiggins’ paintings are bursts of color, emotion, and texture that beckon viewers to look deeper and see the West through a refreshed and unexpected perspective.

In this exhibition, patrons will witness firsthand how Wiggins’ works stand out with their distinctive brushstrokes and exaggerated forms. Walking through ‘The Unexpected West’, one is transported through various forms of artistic expression that Wiggins experimented with throughout his career—including Impressionism, Expressionism, Magical Realism, Symbolism, and Modernism—culminating in a style that is undeniably his own.

Join us and be part of this visual dialogue that pays homage to the Western legacy while boldly forging a new path. ‘The Unexpected West’ is not just an art exhibition; it is a statement, a revelation, and a celebration of the pioneering spirit that still thrives in the art of Kim Wiggins. It’s an artistic encounter that promises to change not just how you see the West, but how you perceive art itself.

November 9th, 2024 at Legacy Gallery Scottsdale

Featured image is “Chisholm Trail;” an oil painting whose canvas measures 72 x 96 inches