Shiva Peacock

Hunt Slonem (b. 1951, Kittery, Maine) is an internationally recognized American painter, sculptor, and printmaker known for his Neo-Expressionist oil paintings featuring bunnies, butterflies, and tropical birds. His work has been exhibited in over 350 galleries and museums worldwide, with pieces held in more than 100 institutions.

Slonem draws inspiration from nature and his sixty pet birds, creating lavishly colored canvases with thick brushstrokes. He describes his approach as a form of prayer and worship, influenced by Andy Warhol’s use of repetition. New York Times art critic Roberta Smith noted that, “This witty Formalist 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.”

Having developed a connection to birds during his childhood in Hawaii and in Central America, Slonem now raises exotic birds in his New York studio which serves as a sanctuary for both the animals and for himself. His art evokes joy and serves as a reflection of the vibrant life around us. His works are included in the permanent collections of 250 museums globally, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the New Orleans Museum of Art.