Looking back at his time at Mesa College, Vigil, 65, fondly remembers the Museum Studies
program, which teaches students the ins and outs of museum work, from curating exhibits
to creating public art spaces without walls.
“I learned a lot; I was a sponge. I loved it so much,” he said of the journey that led him to curate his own collection.
Although he became a photo collector later in life, his curiosity for music photography started early with his adoration for both well-known and unsung rock photographers, including the likes of the late Linda McCartney (wife of former Beatle Paul McCartney), Mick Rock of Britain, and Astrid Kirchherr, an acclaimed German photographer. Vigil first began collecting photographs in 1988 after visiting a Linda McCartney exhibit in a La Jolla gallery, where he purchased two original prints.
Yearning to pursue a professional career as a collector, Vigil found the Museum Studies Program at Mesa College in the late 1990s. He had a good rapport with his then professor, Alessandra Moctezuma — a friendship that would later inspire his lifelong career.
“I admired that woman; she was always sleek, fashion is her thing,” he said, “and she taught very well.”
A future manifested. As a student at Mesa College, Vigil received an invitation from
the Museum of Photographic Arts (now part of The San Diego Museum of Art) in Balboa
Park to join its permanent artist collection. The residency was beyond his wildest
dreams for the up-and-coming collector.
“I thought I died and went to heaven,” Vigil said. “The museum wanted all still photography,
so I offered a mixture of different scenes.”
Vigil was asked to curate for his alma mater’s Mesa College Art Gallery in October
2024. His exhibit titled “The Beatles/I Saw the Photograph from The Vincent Vigil
Collection” included 60 one-of-a-kind photographs of the Beatles between 1962 to 1969.
The monthlong display stunned students, professors, and community members alike, as
Vigil eloquently showcased the long-standing influence the Beatles have had on global
pop culture.
“I was also eager to present the younger generation with the Beatles. It’s tragic
that lots of the best artists are discovered after they pass away,” Vigil said. “Another
reason why I wanted to do this for Mesa was my connection to the brilliance of Alessandra.
The exhibit really came to life because of the eye Alessandra and (gallery coordinator)
Jenny (Armer) have. I trusted them.”
Before finding renowned success as a collector, Vigil first studied photography at
Palomar College and read about collectors in a photography magazine.
“I wanted to become known as a collector like Elton John; he’s such an inspiration,” Vigil said.
Vigil built his own legacy. He is now represented by the Morrison Hotel Gallery, a premier art gallery in West Hollywood and is awaiting to make a contribution to the GRAMMY Museum.
“The Morrison Hotel Gallery opportunity still fascinates me, because I’m very shy
and introverted,” he said. “They represent photographers and their estates. I am so
proud, because my legacy will go on — the legacy of some of the greatest musicians
of all time.”
While Vigil is widely successful today, he wants every aspiring artist to have the
same opportunities he had: access to an affordable education of the arts, the kind
he took in at Mesa College.
“The term starving artists is very real,” he said. “If a person wants to do it, make
art, learn about art, they should qualify to do it. When you are an artist, nothing
can stop you. You have a need to create in every aspect despite the cost.”
He continued, “Regardless if you have any money or not, you will find a way to keep
going. When you fall in love with something, like I fell in love with photography,
don’t stop, don’t copy, but be inspired.”
In October 2024, 60 one-of-a-kind photographs from The Vincent Vigil Collection were
displayed during an exhibit at the Mesa College Art Gallery.
