Bill Wiggins (1917–2012)
“Self” (1962)
Oil on Board
Gift of the Artist
Capitol Art Collection
Capitol Art Foundation
Bill Wiggins (1917–2012)
Medium: Oil Painting, Printmaking, Illustration
Region: New Mexico
Affiliation: Santa Fe/Taos art communities
Bill Wiggins was a painter, printmaker, and illustrator known for his expressive and introspective style. Originally from the Midwest, Wiggins moved to New Mexico in the mid-20th century, where he became part of the vibrant Santa Fe and Taos art scenes. His work often explores themes of identity, solitude, and the human condition, conveyed through bold use of color and evocative composition.
He was particularly active in the 1960s and 1970s and contributed to the regional arts both as a practitioner and as a mentor to younger artists. Wiggins participated in numerous local exhibitions and was often associated with artist collectives and informal gatherings of painters committed to developing a uniquely Southwestern modernist style.
“Self” (1962), an oil painting held in the Capitol Art Collection, is a powerful example of Wiggins’ capacity for introspection and psychological depth. The work—gifted by the artist himself—reflects his personal engagement with identity and artistic legacy.
Wiggins’ artworks are held in both public and private collections, and his legacy remains tied to the expressive evolution of 20th-century New Mexican art.
