Hunt Slonem Michael For Sale

About this work

Hunt Slonem has established himself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary American painting, recognized internationally for his exuberant explorations of nature, spirituality, and repetition. His works are held in over one hundred museum collections worldwide, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Slonem's market presence remains robust, with consistent demand at auction and among private collectors who value his immediately recognizable aesthetic and prolific yet disciplined output. "Michael" exemplifies Slonem's celebrated engagement with avian subjects, a theme he has pursued for decades with unwavering dedication. The intimate scale of this 2026 oil on wood—measuring just 10 x 8 inches—invites close examination of the artist's characteristic gestural brushwork and richly textured surface. Slonem's birds are never mere representation; they emerge from layers of pigment and deliberate mark-making that reference both neo-expressionist energy and the meditative traditions that inform his practice. The wood support adds warmth and tactile dimension, distinguishing this work within his broader oeuvre. The title "Michael" reflects Slonem's longstanding practice of naming individual bird portraits, lending each work a sense of personality and spiritual significance drawn from his interest in kabbalah and universal mysticism. This personalized approach transforms what might otherwise be a simple study into a contemplative object with lasting resonance. Guy Hepner is pleased to offer this work and welcomes inquiries regarding acquisition.