For nearly two decades, Christian Waguespack has been deeply embedded in the vibrant arts community of New Mexico. His journey culminated in a significant tenure at the New Mexico Museum Of Art (NMMA) in Santa Fe, where he ascended from Curator of 20th Century Art to Head of Curatorial Affairs. This role also included overseeing the recent launch of Vladem Contemporary, NMMA’s contemporary art offshoot. Now, Waguespack is embarking on a new chapter, transitioning to the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner, Washington. Before his departure, he shared insights into New Mexico’s unique art landscape and the invaluable experiences gained at the New Mexico Museum of Art.
New Mexico, often perceived as overlooked by mainstream cultural narratives, holds an undeniably significant place in the American art world. Waguespack affirms this sentiment, acknowledging the state’s distinctive position. He points out that while geographically expansive, New Mexico’s smaller population and relative distance from major urban centers like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York can contribute to an underestimation of its cultural richness. However, he argues that this perceived isolation is intrinsically linked to the very essence of New Mexico’s artistic strength.
The state’s allure, according to Waguespack, lies in its deep-rooted humanities – art, culture, history, and spirituality. Unlike regions driven by economic or industrial magnets, New Mexico attracts those drawn to these more profound aspects of human experience. This creates a unique environment where artistic expression flourishes, fueled by a sense of “calling” that resonates deeply with those who discover the state’s unique charm. Waguespack beautifully encapsulates this sentiment, stating, “New Mexico is like a cat: You love it, you adopt it, you never really own it.”
Reflecting on his move to New Mexico from Louisiana in 2007, Waguespack highlights the remarkable self-determination and critical mass within the state’s arts and culture scene as particularly captivating. He emphasizes New Mexico’s disproportionately large contribution to the national art landscape. This artistic productivity, he suggests, stems from the state’s ability to provide artists with both space and perspective, allowing them to escape the overwhelming “melee” of larger cultural centers and cultivate distinctive voices. This environment is deeply informed by New Mexico’s extensive Indigenous history.
Waguespack underscores the historical depth and significance of New Mexico’s art, referencing the centuries-old legacy of Pueblo pottery as “top-tier, deep, historic American art.” He also points to the unique Spanish Colonial art tradition, produced over 400 years, which has garnered national museum recognition and shaped perceptions of the American West. Even the art created by later “colonist artists,” he notes, transcended local boundaries, influencing global understandings of the West.
His time at the New Mexico Museum of Art proved to be an unparalleled educational experience. While possessing a strong academic background in art and museum studies, Waguespack credits the institution and the surrounding community as his true educators. He describes his learning as deeply immersive, stating, “it’s like asking a fish to talk about water,” emphasizing how profoundly his experiences at the museum have shaped his understanding of the role of art institutions. He carries forward not just specific lessons, but a fundamentally transformed perspective on the essence and purpose of museums and cultural organizations.
Waguespack initially joined the New Mexico Museum of Art attracted by its esteemed collection and Santa Fe’s established reputation as an art center. However, beyond individual artworks and exhibitions, it was the vibrant Santa Fe arts community, extending to Taos, Roswell, and Las Cruces, that truly defined his experience. He fondly describes this network as “an amazing group of thoughtful, passionate, and collegial people,” acknowledging that his accomplishments at the New Mexico Museum of Art were deeply enabled by this supportive and collaborative environment. As he moves on to his new role, Waguespack carries with him not only professional expertise honed at a leading institution like the New Mexico Museum of Art but also the enduring impact of New Mexico’s unique artistic spirit and community.
