Artist Hunt Slonem's connection to his subjects is deeply personal, rooted in his childhood experiences in Hawaii and later influences from Central America. Slonem's New York studio, a lush sanctuary home to his collection of exotic birds, serves as both muse and subject. Here, he captures his surroundings with a rhythm and style that art critic John Ashbery describes as "dazzling explosions of the variable life around us."
About the Artist
Renowned artist, Hunt Slonem, is celebrated for his expansive Neo-Expressionist oil canvases adorned with vibrant arrays of birds, bunnies, and butterflies, depicted with bold and sumptuously colored brushstrokes. Drawing inspiration from Andy Warhol's iconic Pop art, Slonem employs repetition as a means of artistic meditation, delving into the depths of subconscious emotion.
Born into a naval family, Slonem cultivated his artistic talents at Tulane University in New Orleans, later refining his skills at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. Immersed in the works of influential artists like Alice Neel and Alex Katz during his time at Skowhegan, Slonem developed a unique artistic voice.
Slonem's artistic evolution has seen him move from early works featuring spiritual objects to his recent series focusing solely on the beauty of animals. His compositions, filled with simple, repetitive figures, create what Geldzahler terms an "esthetic of ocular activity," where the viewer's eye is in constant motion, decoding patterns and discovering new details with each viewing.
Beyond his paintings, Slonem has embarked on an ambitious mission to preserve America's architectural heritage. His restoration projects, including historic mansions across the United States, showcase his deep appreciation for the country's cultural past and his desire to bridge it with the present through art.
Whether painting his beloved bunnies, inspired by a fortuitous fortune cookie message, or capturing the vibrant energy of his avian companions, Hunt Slonem continues to push the boundaries of neo-expressionism. His work invites viewers into a world where nature's beauty is celebrated with exuberance and spiritual depth, reminding us of the magic that exists in the everyday world around us.
Explore available Hunt Slonem paintings at Exhibit.