Hunt Slonem: Panda, 2016. Oil on Canvas. 30 x 24 w". Hand-signed by the artist. Signed Hunt Slonem on verso. Artist Catalogue raisonne number of authenticity inscribed on the verso. Fine Provenance: Painted by the artist for charity to benefit the NYC Panda Project. Heritage Auctions, Jessica Leigh Collection, Bedford Art Gallery Brooklyn, New York. Hunt Slonem (born Hunt Slonim, 1951) is a renowned American painter, sculptor, and printmaker celebrated for his distinctive Neo-Expressionist style. His captivating artworks often feature vibrant depictions of butterflies, bunnies, exotic animals and tropical birds. Slonem's artistic journey began during his undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University and later at Tulane University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Painting and Art History. He further honed his craft at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, where he was exposed to influential artists such as Louise Nevelson, Alex Katz, and Alice Neel.In 1973, Slonem moved to New York City, a pivotal moment that shaped his artistic development. Despite residing in the heart of Manhattan, Slonem remained connected to his fascination with exotica, cultivated during his time in Hawaii and Nicaragua. This affinity for nature, particularly exotic birds and butterflies, became a recurring theme in his work.Slonem's artistic career gained momentum with his first solo exhibition at New York's Harold Reed Gallery in 1977, followed by a major showing at the prestigious Fischbach Gallery. Over the years, he crossed paths with notable figures like Andy Warhol, Liza Minnelli, and Truman Capote, further embedding himself within New York's vibrant art scene.Known for his witty Formalism strategy, Slonem's paintings often blur the boundaries between representation and abstraction, enveloping his subjects in atmospheric light. His affinity for repetition, vibrant colors, and intricate detail earned him the label of "pop expressionist," with his works celebrated in over 250 museums worldwide. Slonem's artistic contributions have been recognized with numerous honors and awards, including a MacDowell Fellowship and National Endowment for the Arts grant. His works adorn the permanent collections of esteemed institutions such as the The Smithsonian, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum, and the Guggenheim Museum, and the Miro Foundation, solidifying his legacy as a distinguished figure in contemporary art.

Excellent Condition

30 x 24 in