HUNT SLONEM
Hunt Slonem, born on July 18, 1951, in Kittery, Maine, is celebrated for his vibrant neo-expressionist works, particularly his paintings of butterflies, bunnies, and tropical birds. His distinctive style is represented in prestigious collections globally, including over 250 museums such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Raised in a Navy family, Slonem’s childhood was marked by frequent relocations across various states, exposing him to diverse environments that fueled his fascination with exotic fauna and flora. This early interest in nature's diversity deeply influenced his artistic expressions, which he began to explore more formally during his academic years. After high school, Slonem studied at Tulane University in New Orleans, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in painting and art history. His time at Tulane was pivotal, laying the foundation for his future explorations in art.
Slonem’s professional career began in the late 1970s in New York City, where he quickly integrated into the bustling art scene. His works were recognized for their unique blend of vivid colors and repetitive motifs, encapsulating the rhythmic beauty of the natural world he adores. Over the decades, Slonem has become known not only for his art but also for his restoration of historic homes, viewing these projects as extensions of his creative expression.
Throughout his career, Slonem has remained dedicated to the exploration of repetition as a meditative process, a theme prevalent in his series of rabbit paintings which began in the 1980s after he learned that his birth year, 1951, was the Year of the Rabbit according to the Chinese zodiac. This series, like much of his work, features the repetitive use of an icon to invoke spiritual or mystical elements, a practice inspired by his belief in the power of repetition and mantra.
Slonem's commitment to his craft has led to numerous accolades and awards, recognizing his contributions to modern American art. His work is not only celebrated in galleries but also has been incorporated into various collaborations, including fashion and design, showcasing his versatility and broad appeal.
In addition to his paintings and sculptures, Slonem’s passion for historic preservation is evident in his efforts to restore and maintain significant architectural works, blending his artistic vision with his reverence for history and place. His holistic approach to art and design is a testament to his lifelong commitment to beautifying and interpreting the world around him through various creative mediums.
Renowned for his ability to merge art with everyday living, Slonem continues to captivate and inspire with his unique vision, ensuring his place as a significant figure in contemporary art. His work encourages a deeper appreciation for the natural world, art history, and the interplay between the past and present, making him a pivotal figure in both the art and design communities.
COLLECTION
This whimsical and sophisticated painting was realized by the esteemed contemporary painter, Hunt Slonem in 2016. It presents a stylized rabbit in profile, rendered with loose and expressive brush strokes in black and white paint. Bold, graphic and beautiful this piece represents an especially strong example of his practice.
Represented by the International blue chip art gallery Marlborough Gallery, Slonem's work is represented in museum collections around the world including the Whitney Museum of American Art, The Metropolitan Museum, and the Brooklyn Museum in New York, The Guggenheim Museum and The Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona, Spain. His work is also featured in the personal collections of numerous celebrities and high profile collectors including Sharon Stone, Gina Gershon, Kate Hudson and many more. The legendary critic Roberta Smith once opined in a New York Times piece that Slonem's "witty Formalism strategy meshes the creatures into the picture plane and sometimes nearly obliterates them as images, but it also suspends and shrouds them in a dim, atmospheric light that is quite beautiful."
This piece represents a particularly strong example of his practice- sure to delight discerning collectors of first rate contemporary art as well as those looking for a stunning painting which promises to complement any interior. With its neo-expressionist style and monochromatic grisaille palate, this piece would be a winning addition to any interior from classic Mid Century Modern to contemporary. It comes presented in the artist's original antique gallery frame (a key aspect of his practice) with neoclassical detailing throughout. The painting is signed "Hunt Slonem" and dated verso. Excellent condition.
American, circa 2013
Dimensions:
Height: 22.5 in. (57.15 cm) x Width: 18.25 in. (46.36 cm) x Depth: 2.5 in. (6.35 cm)
Artist: Hunt Slonem (1951, American)
Creation Year: 2013
Medium: Acrylic
Movement and style: Neo-Expressionist
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU711315508052
This whimsical and sophisticated painting was realized by the esteemed contemporary painter, Hunt Slonem in 2014. It presents a stylized rabbit in profile, rendered with loose and expressive brush strokes in black and white paint. Bold, graphic and beautiful this piece represents an especially strong example of his practice.
Represented by the International blue chip art gallery Marlborough Gallery, Slonem's work is represented in museum collections around the world including the Whitney Museum of American Art, The Metropolitan Museum, and the Brooklyn Museum in New York, The Guggenheim Museum and The Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona, Spain. His work is also featured in the personal collections of numerous celebrities and high profile collectors including Sharon Stone, Gina Gershon, Kate Hudson and many more. The legendary critic Roberta Smith once opined in a New York Times piece that Slonem's "witty Formalism strategy meshes the creatures into the picture plane and sometimes nearly obliterates them as images, but it also suspends and shrouds them in a dim, atmospheric light that is quite beautiful."
This piece represents a particularly strong example of his practice- sure to delight discerning collectors of first rate contemporary art as well as those looking for a stunning painting which promises to complement any interior. With its neo-expressionist style and monochromatic grisaille palate, this piece would be a winning addition to any interior from classic Mid Century Modern to contemporary. It comes presented in the artist's original antique gilded and walnut gallery frame (a key aspect of his practice). The painting is signed and dated verso "Hunt Slonem CHL 0820 2014". Excellent condition.
American, circa 2014
Dimensions:
Height: 17.25 in. (43.82 cm) x Width: 15.25 in. (38.74 cm) x Depth: 3.5 in. (8.89 cm)
Sheet: Height: 11.5" x Depth: 9.5"
Creator: Hunt Slonem (1951, American)
Creation Year: 2014
Medium: Canvas, Acrylic
Movement & Style: Neo-Expressionist
Period: 2010-
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU711315507822
This whimsical and sophisticated painting was realized by the esteemed contemporary painter, Hunt Slonem in 2016. It presents a stylized rabbit in profile, rendered with loose and expressive brush strokes in black and white paint. Bold, graphic and beautiful this piece represents an especially strong example of his practice.
Represented by the International blue chip art gallery Marlborough Gallery, Slonem's work is held in museum collections around the world including the Whitney Museum of American Art, The Metropolitan Museum, and the Brooklyn Museum in New York, The Guggenheim Museum and The Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona, Spain. His work is also featured in the personal collections of numerous celebrities and high profile collectors including Sharon Stone, Gina Gershon, Kate Hudson and many more. The legendary critic Roberta Smith once opined in a New York Times piece that Slonem's "witty Formalism strategy meshes the creatures into the picture plane and sometimes nearly obliterates them as images, but it also suspends and shrouds them in a dim, atmospheric light that is quite beautiful."
This piece represents a particularly strong example of his practice- sure to delight discerning collectors of first rate contemporary art as well as those looking for a stunning painting which promises to complement any interior. With its neo-expressionist style and monochromatic grisaille palate, this piece would be a winning addition to any interior from classic Mid Century Modern to contemporary. It comes presented in the artist's original antique gallery frame (a key aspect of his practice) with neoclassical detailing throughout. The painting is signed "Hunt Slonem" and dated 2013 verso. Excellent condition.
American, 2013
Dimensions:
Height: 19.5 in (49.53 cm) x Width: 16.75 in (42.55 cm) x Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
Creator: Hunt Slonem (1951, American)
Creation Year: 2013
Medium: Canvas, Oil
Movement & Style: Neo-Expressionist
Period: 2010
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU711315508152