Veloy Vigil, 1880 Reeds of Past
Veloy Vigil
1931-1997
Tesuque Pueblo
Alternative Name
Veloy Joseph Vigil
Date
1982
Medium Specific
Acrylic on canvas
Classification
Painting
Dimensions
60 x 50 in. (152.4 x 127 cm.)
Accession Number
2025.35.15.112
Credit
Gift of Jacquelyn and Robert Slotkin
Biography
Born in Denver, Colorado, Veloy Vigil was raised on farms around Greeley, Colorado. On his mother’s side, he was descended from Tesuque Pueblo and on his father’s side from the Spanish.
Having been a rodeo participant, Vigil brought his experience with horses to many of his compositions. He is credited with a profound impact on people ideas about Native American art because, rather than naive, his images were abstract expressionist. But he gave it his own flowing style, frequently painting to music. His intense infusion of color also triggered the label “colorist”.
Vigil settled in Taos, New Mexico where Gallery Elena featured the work of father (Veloy), Michael and Dan Vigil.
Having been a rodeo participant, Vigil brought his experience with horses to many of his compositions. He is credited with a profound impact on people ideas about Native American art because, rather than naive, his images were abstract expressionist. But he gave it his own flowing style, frequently painting to music. His intense infusion of color also triggered the label “colorist”.
Vigil settled in Taos, New Mexico where Gallery Elena featured the work of father (Veloy), Michael and Dan Vigil.
Inscription
V.Vigil (lrc). Signed, 82, #1880 (verso, pen). 1880 Reeds of Past (verso ink)