Veloy Vigil (1931–1997)
Sagebrush Hunt (1978)
Gouache on Paper
Gift of John Attardi
Capitol Art Collection
Capitol Art Foundation
Veloy Vigil (1931–1997)
Medium: Painting (Gouache, Acrylic), Printmaking
Heritage: San Juan Pueblo (Ohkay Owingeh) / Hispanic
Region: New Mexico
Veloy Vigil was a prominent New Mexican painter of Pueblo and Hispanic descent whose work reflects the cultural vibrancy and complexity of the American Southwest. Born in 1931, he developed an artistic voice that merged traditional Indigenous imagery with modernist sensibilities, often using bold colors and stylized forms to convey ritual, ceremony, and the stark beauty of the landscape.
Vigil was known for his innovative use of gouache and acrylic, producing works that ranged from narrative figuration to abstract compositions. His art frequently drew from Pueblo symbolism and mythology, as well as everyday rural life in New Mexico. He was part of a generation of Indigenous artists who sought to challenge stereotypes and expand the possibilities of Native American art in the 20th century.
His work has been exhibited widely and is represented in numerous institutional collections. Sagebrush Hunt (1978), part of the Capitol Art Collection, captures Vigil’s ability to blend form and story into a visual rhythm rooted in land and community.
