Blue Moon Diamond Dust is an oil painting on canvas with Diamond Dust from Hunt Slonem's famous Rabbit series. Rabbits are one of the main motifs of the US artist. Hunt Slonem wakes up every morning and captures rabbits on canvas. These warm-up exercises are what John Berendt calls “the artistic equivalent of gymnastics, exercising his painting apparatus to gain control of the colors, shapes and textures that flow from his mind's eye through his arm, hand and brush onto the painted surface." Hunt Slonem paints countless other subjects, but rabbits are always the start of his day. Like the white rabbit in Lewis Carroll's “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," they lead him down the rabbit hole into the wonderland where the rest of his paintings are located. Hunt Slonem was born in Maine, USA in 1951. His father was in the Navy, so the family moved often. Slonem has lived in Hawaii, Virginia, Connecticut, California, Washington State and Nicaragua, among other places. He graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a Bachelor of Arts degree in painting and Art History. He also took couses at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine, where he studied and met influential artists from the New York area, such as Louise Nevelson, Alex Katz, Alice Neel, Richard Estes, Jack Levine and Al Held. Slonem refers to Alex Katz in particular as a big mentor and friend. Another important artist for Slonem is Andy Warhol. He says that the repetition in Warhol's work had a lasting influence on him, especially the Campbell's soup cans and the portrait of Marilyn Monroe. With repeating a motif in his work again and again, such as the bunny, Slonem makes a reference to Andy Worhol. It's like with prayer, so the artist. For him, repetition is a form of worship. In 1973 Slonem moved to New York, where he has lived and worked ever since.
American artist Hunt Slonem, who turns 75 on July 18 this year, is more successful than ever.
Several exhibitions are scheduled to take place in the U.S. in 2026, including the famous show Hunt Slonem – Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies at the Dallas Arboretum from April 20 to September 30. A Hunt Slonem exhibition is already planned for 2027 at the Huntsville Museum of Art.
To mark this occasion, FRANK FLUEGEL GALERIE is presenting numerous new unique works by the artist. A Hunt Slonem exhibition is also planned for September in Nuremberg and Kitzbühel.
Inspired by nature and his 60 pet birds, Hunt Slonem is known for his distinctive neo-expressionist style. He is best known for his series of rabbits, butterflies, and tropical birds, as well as for his large-scale sculptures and restorations of forgotten historic houses. Slonem’s works can be found in the permanent collections of 250 museums around the world.
FRANK FLUEGEL GALERIE has featured the American artist Hunt Slonem in its program since 2021, focusing primarily on his famous rabbit paintings from the Bunny series.
The internationally successful artist is best known for his neo-expressionist paintings of rabbits, butterflies, and tropical birds. The colorful paintings are usually set in extraordinary frames that complement the work and are an integral part of the image.
Hunt Slonem was born in 1951 in Maine, USA. His father was in the Navy, so the family moved frequently. Slonem lived in Hawaii, Virginia, Connecticut, California, Washington State, and Nicaragua, among other places. He graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a Bachelor of Arts in Painting and Art History. He also took courses at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine, where he studied and met influential artists from the New York scene, such as Louise Nevelson, Alex Katz, Alice Neel, Richard Estes, Jack Levine, and Al Held. Slonem describes Alex Katz in particular as an important mentor and friend. Another artist of great significance to Slonem is Andy Warhol. The repetition in Warhol’s work had a lasting influence on him, particularly the Campbell’s soup cans and the portrait of Marilyn Monroe. Thus, Slonem also repeatedly uses a motif in his work, such as the rabbit, in countless variations. It is like prayer, says the artist; for him, repetition is a form of worship. In 1973, Slonem moved to New York, where he has lived and worked ever since. Over 50 museums and collections worldwide hold works by Hunt Slonem, including the Metropolitan, the Guggenheim, and the Whitney Museum in New York. In Germany, his works are included in the Würth Collection in Künzelsau, among others. The bunny paintings—all unique pieces in oil on wood set in antique frames—are currently on view at FRANK FLUEGEL GALERIE.
Frank Fluegel, owner of the gallery bearing his name, says that collectors often ask why they should collect art by Hunt Slonem.
Hunt Slonem is one of today’s most renowned contemporary artists, with a distinctive style that blends Neo-Expressionism, Pop Art, and a deep appreciation for nature and history. Whether you’re an experienced art collector or looking for meaningful, aesthetically captivating works, Slonem’s paintings offer a compelling reason to become part of your collection. Here’s why.
Slonem’s works are instantly recognizable thanks to his unique motifs, including rabbits, birds, butterflies, and exotic landscapes. His lush, highly textured oil paintings, created through his signature cross-hatching technique, lend his works a sense of movement and depth that sets them apart. The repetition of his motifs creates a meditative and hypnotic effect, making his art both soothing and visually striking. This recognizability was already a key to Andy Warhol’s success.
Hunt Slonem’s paintings have steadily increased in value over the years. His works are collected by major museums, celebrities, and renowned collectors, including Oprah Winfrey, Kate Hudson, Sharon Stone, and the late Steve Jobs. His art is highly sought after at auctions and often fetches prices well above estimates. The sustained demand for his paintings makes them a solid investment for both new and experienced collectors.
Slonem’s works are not only popular with collectors—they are also part of over 250 museum collections worldwide, including the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Owning a piece by him is like owning a piece of contemporary art history and ensures that your collection includes works of institutional recognition and prestige.
Slonem’s use of bold colors, rich textures, and cheerful motifs creates a positive, uplifting atmosphere wherever his works are displayed. His art is often associated with happiness and abundance, particularly his rabbit paintings, which collectors view as symbols of prosperity and new beginnings. His works are perfectly suited for both home decor and corporate environments, infusing any space with warmth and vibrancy.
Slonem’s art is deeply inspired by nature, particularly by the exotic birds he keeps in his studio. His fascination with birds, butterflies, and rabbits stems from a spiritual connection—he infuses each work with mysticism, history, and personal symbolism. This makes his works not only visually appealing but also deeply meaningful.
Slonem is constantly evolving, with new large-scale public installations, sculptures, and collaborations in the textile sector. His latest exhibition, “Huntopia,” brought his art into the realm of public sculpture, and his work is featured in luxurious interiors, fashion, and furniture. Collecting his art today means being part of an artist’s legacy that is constantly expanding and renewing itself.
Despite his prolific career, demand for Slonem’s works continues to grow, causing his original pieces to appreciate in value over time. Many collectors view his works as modern heirlooms that can be passed down through generations due to their timeless beauty and rising value.
Hunt Slonem is more than just an artist; he is a cultural force whose art embodies joy, energy, and history. Whether you are drawn to his vibrant rabbits, exotic birds, or textured floral motifs—owning a Slonem is a way to incorporate a piece of contemporary art history into your collection. Given his steadily growing influence and rising market value, investing in his works now could be a wise and rewarding decision - both aesthetically and financially.
