Opening: Mirabel Wigon: Into the Thicket

Mirabel Wigon: Into the Thicket
artist’s reception: Tuesday, June 18, 11 am-5 pm
on view: June 18–July 5, 2024

Strata Gallery presents Into the Thicket, its first solo exhibition of California-based artist Mirabel Wigon. The exhibition opens Tuesday, June 18, the artist will be present between 11 am and 5 pm opening day to answer questions.

Wigon’s work is comprised of abstracted landscape paintings that grapple with environmental phenomena resulting from, and related to, the built landscape. These paintings explore notions of progress, instability, and system collapse.

Wigon states, “It is wonderful to be a part of Strata Gallery and I am so excited to be involved in the Santa Fe Community. In my work I utilize various strategies to impede, encapsulate, reflect, and cast doubt on apparently benign natural spaces. Pristine and seemingly tranquil views are interrupted and broken. In historical bucolic landscape paintings, the aim was to exemplify humanity’s mastery over nature – a reflection of a cultural moment that wished to disrupt natural order to create a semblance of control over the land. I sincerely hope to make works that consider how a lack of control offers potent room for growth and renewal.”

Wigon received a bachelor of fine arts in traditional art from California State University, East Bay and her master of fine arts in drawing and painting from California State University, Long Beach. Her works have been featured in numerous group exhibitions both regionally and nationally. She is Assistant Professor of Art at California State University, Stanislaus. Wigon resides in the San Joaquin Valley of California and this is her first solo show in New Mexico.