Blog Post

Artist spotlight: Hunt Slonem

  • By Tina Ehrlich
  • 29 Oct, 2019
Hunt Slonem, bunnies and butterfly
Hunt Slonem available at the gallery
It’s a daily privilege to work in the gallery where we’re surrounded by artwork created by nationally-known artists. Our current show, Not Your Muse, features local artist Whitney Warne from right here in Des Moines to Logan Ledford based in New Orleans.
Hunt Slonem studio
Artist Hunt Slonem in his studio in Brooklyn, New York
The gallery maintains a roster of emerging and mid-career artists focusing on introducing international artists to Iowa and the wider Midwest market. One artist’s work we were particularly excited to bring to Des Moines is Hunt Slonem. Globally, more than 100 museums include his work in their collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. By including his work in the gallery, we hope to heighten Des Moines’ international art notice for both local and international collectors.
Myconos, Hunt Slonem bunnies, available at the gallery
Myconos, 9 x 19", Price upon request, Available at the gallery
Of our represented artists, Hunt is one of the most developed in his career. Beyond his inclusion at internationally-awarded museums, there are a handful of celebrities that are collectors of his artwork. Most known for his bunnies and tropical birds, his clientele includes Kris Jenner, Julianne Moore and the Clintons. Earlier this year, he was also featured on Real Housewives of New York—one of the characters is a big fan of his. In the episode, you’ll see how Hunt has translated his bunny paintings into an original suit design for himself!
Hunt Slonem bunny, available at the gallery, diamond dust
Untitled (diamond dust), 8 x 10", Price upon request, Available at the gallery
Hunt has been painting his infamous bunnies since the 1970s, but his addition of “diamond dust” is a newer addition to his creation process. We often get asked, “Is it real diamond?” No, it’s not real diamond dust, but it’s a fine glass that makes the oil paintings sparkle!
Hunt Slonem butterflies, available at the gallery
Palm Beach, 31 x 25", Price upon request, Available at the gallery
Each one of his paintings includes a vintage frame that he sourced himself, which adds to the story and originality of the piece.
Hunt Slonem bunny, available at the gallery, diamond dust
Untitled (diamond dust), 8 x 10", Price upon request, Available at the gallery
His bunny pattern is more recognizable than ever now as it’s been made into a wallpaper, pillow cover, curtains and more. As we’ve worked with Hunt, his team and his artwork, we’re excited to see his work only increase in value. We feel so fortunate to include his work in the gallery and to be able to share his story with Des Moines and beyond.
Tina Ehrlich, author
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