The Worlds of Hunt Slonem

Inspired by nature and his 60 pet birds, Hunt Slonem is renowned for his distinct neo-expressionist style. He is best known for his series of bunnies, butterflies and tropical birds, as well as his large-scale sculptures and restorations of forgotten historic homes. The Worlds of Hunt Slonem investigates the life and work of this fascinating American artist. Once the enfant terrible of New York’s art world, Hunt Slonem (b. 1951) depicts both natural subjects—birds and butterflies—and portraits—voodoo saints and Abraham Lincoln–in his jubilant, singular paintings. Using multiplicity as a governing principle, Slonem has created a body of work as inimitable—and wildly colorful—as it is recognizable. This in-depth monograph, which spans Slonem’s boyhood in Hawaii to his training at Tulane University and the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture to his life today, split between New York and New Orleans, features more than 600 vibrant illustrations. Dominique Nahas delves deep beneath the decorative surface of Slonem’s work to reveal what informs and influences this original and enigmatic artist.