BIOGRAPHY
B. 1951 -
Hunt Slonem (born July 18, 1951, Kittery, Maine) is an American painter, sculptor, and printmaker renowned for his vibrant, neo-expressionist works that celebrate the beauty of nature, spirituality, and whimsy. A leading figure in contemporary art, Slonem’s distinctive style is characterized by bold colors, textured brushwork, and recurring motifs of bunnies, birds, butterflies, and tropical flora, which have become iconic hallmarks of his oeuvre.
Early Life and Education
Born into a military family, Slonem’s early years were marked by frequent relocations across the United States and abroad, including Hawaii and Nicaragua, which sparked his lifelong fascination with exotic landscapes and wildlife. He pursued his artistic education at Vanderbilt University and later at Tulane University in New Orleans, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1973. Slonem further honed his craft at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine, an experience that solidified his commitment to painting as a means of exploring the natural and spiritual worlds.
Artistic Career
Slonem’s career gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s New York art scene, where he became associated with the neo-expressionist movement alongside figures like Julian Schnabel and Jean-Michel Basquiat. His early works drew inspiration from his travels, particularly to Central America and Asia, where he developed a deep appreciation for lush, tropical environments and their vibrant inhabitants. These influences are evident in his large-scale paintings of parrots, toucans, and other exotic birds, often set against richly textured backgrounds.Perhaps Slonem’s most recognizable subject is the bunny, a motif inspired by his birth year in the Chinese zodiac (the Year of the Rabbit). These whimsical yet symbolic creatures appear in countless variations across his canvases, embodying themes of fertility, renewal, and playfulness. His repetitive use of these forms reflects a meditative process, blending spirituality with a pop-art sensibility.Slonem’s work extends beyond painting to include sculpture, prints, and large-scale installations. His fascination with historic architecture has led him to restore grand estates, such as the Gilded Age mansions he owns in upstate New York and Louisiana, which serve as both studios and living galleries for his eclectic collections of art, antiques, and exotic birds.
Exhibitions and Collections
Slonem’s work has been exhibited extensively worldwide, with solo shows at prestigious venues such as the Marlborough Gallery (New York), the Ben Brown Fine Arts (London), and the Contessa Gallery (Southampton, NY). His paintings are held in esteemed public collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, among others. Private collectors, including celebrities and cultural luminaries, are also drawn to his vibrant and accessible style.
Legacy and Influence
A prolific artist with a career spanning over five decades, Slonem continues to captivate audiences with his ability to merge the contemporary with the timeless. His work transcends traditional boundaries, blending elements of impressionism, expressionism, and pop art to create a visual language that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Beyond his artistic contributions, Slonem is a dedicated preservationist and philanthropist, supporting causes related to environmental conservation and historic restoration.Hunt Slonem lives and works in New York City, where his studio remains a hub of creativity, filled with the colors, creatures, and curiosities that define his singular vision. His work continues to evolve, inviting viewers into a world where nature, spirituality, and imagination converge.