Ocelots, 1988

Hunt Slonem (b. 1951-)
Ocelots, 1988
Oil on canvas
44 x 66 inches

Framed Dimensions: 46h x 68w x 2.25d inches

Hunt Slonem believes that, "We have become ecologically insane …as the human indifference to- outright disrespect for- the natural environment proves." Species of animals are quickly disappearing. Slonem wants to preserve the animals and jungles by means of art. 

The ocelots are nocturnal wildcats, but they are shown here in intimate community with the light coming through the painting and illuminating them.

Hunt Slonem's paintings are at once vibrant, energetic and colorful, yet also deeply spiritual and contemplative. The artist creates exotic forms with expressive and highly textural brushstrokes that are full of intense color, loosely inspired by artists of the German Expressionism movement.

Slonem creates beautiful, surprising scenes that offer a calming joy to those who encounter it. From the very beginning, animals and the natural world, most notably birds, have been the central focus of his work. 

Slonem utilizes the intense colors of the neo-expressional style that mirrors the interesting worlds in which these animals exist. He describes his work with one word, “Exotica.” 

Slonem’s works can be found in the permanent collections of 250 museums around the world, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Whitney, the Miro Foundation and the New Orleans Museum of Art.