Hunt Slonem (born July 18, 1951) is an American artist known for his vibrant, neo-expressionist paintings featuring recurring motifs of butterflies, tropical birds, and, most famously, rabbits. His signature "Bunny Wall" paintings, often executed in thick, gestural strokes, have become iconic in contemporary art.
Slonem was born in Kittery, Maine, and studied at Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture before earning a degree from Tulane University in New Orleans. His work is heavily influenced by his travels and deep fascination with nature, spirituality, and history. He draws inspiration from the exotic flora and fauna he encountered during his time in Nicaragua as an exchange student and his ongoing interest in mysticism and the decorative arts.
Slonem’s art practice is prolific, and his work is characterized by an obsessive repetition of imagery, which he sees as a form of meditation. His paintings often feature crosshatched, impasto surfaces, giving them a textural, almost sculptural quality. In addition to painting, Slonem is known for his large-scale sculptures, interior design projects, and his passion for restoring and preserving historic homes, which he decorates with his own artwork and antique collections.
His work is included in the permanent collections of over 250 museums, including the Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Over the years, Slonem has gained a strong following among collectors, interior designers, and celebrities. His distinct style—characterized by bold color, repetition, and a sense of whimsy—has made him a beloved figure in the contemporary art world.
