Sacred Whispers: Hunt Slonem’s Vision of Eternity

March 1 - April 12, 2025

Opening Reception: March 1, 2025, 3:00 - 6:00pm

Sacred Whispers: Hunt Slonem’s Vision of Eternity marks a pivotal moment in Slonem’s career as he revisits themes of spirituality and saintly imagery, showcasing remarkable new works that resonate with both personal and universal significance. The exhibition, presenting upwards of 100 paintings, occupies both K Contemporary’s Main Gallery and Project Space.

After decades of enchanting audiences with his iconic images of bunnies, birds, and butterflies, Slonem returns to the spiritual images and saints that launched his creative expression in the 1970s and 80s. Featuring his foundational historic paintings in concert with a fresh take on sacred themes, viewers will see how his signature, patterned flora and fauna derive from images at the feet of his early saints. The new paintings are a compelling fusion of celestial subjects, re-envisioned through the lens of a modern artistic sensibility. The exhibition includes his vibrant, contemporary animals alongside his evocative representations of saints, illustrating the interconnected nature of Slonem’s work and the influence of spirituality across decades. The show is an important and one-of-a-kind recontextualization of the artist's work.

Hunt Slonem's artistic trajectory has always been characterized by a deep exploration of spiritual themes. His use of repetition in form—particularly with his beloved bunnies—serves as a visual mantra, akin to prayer, creating a rhythm that invites contemplation and reflection. While his contemporaries and cohorts in the 1980s, including Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, explored the potency of repeating images from pop and commercial culture, Slonem diverged by repeating images equally colorful but anchored in reverence. The recent works symbolize a return to his roots while offering a reappraisal of the evolution of his style, capturing the essence of hope, faith, and transcendence.

With work in the permanent collection of more than 250 museums internationally, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, Slonem is no stranger to the limelight. However, K Contemporary’s exhibition is the first to frame his artistic journey and practice in a sacred context. In fact, many of his portraits of saints – both historic and current – will be on display for the very first time. A digital catalogue will accompany the exhibition with a forward by His Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York. The Cardinal’s involvement underscores the profound impact of Slonem's work not just in the art world, but also in faith communities. Slonem’s work can be found in the rectory of St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parish House as well as in the sanctuary where he was invited to paint a portrait of the Venerable Pierre Toussaint which is admired by millions of visitors each year.

K Contemporary’s exhibit is comprised of a series of vignettes anchoring large-scale portraits of saints surrounded effusively by mandalas of framed bunnies, birds, and butterflies in a litany of sizes, shapes, and colors. With sections focusing on metallics, pop-flavored colors and dots, and even ornately carved frames, guests will experience Slonem’s work in characteristic abundance. A collaboration with Eron Johnson Antiques, Denver’s premier antique furniture purveyor, fosters an immersive encounter with vintage candelabras, furniture, rugs, and drapings.

Slonem comments , “I’m deeply moved to have my practice celebrated in this way, emphasizing the ecstatic joy and energy in my work and allowing people to receive it as an experience that transcends the ordinary. Each piece serves as both a celebration and a meditation, inviting viewers to engage with the sacred echoes in everyday life.”

PROGRAMMING NOTE: As part of the exhibition, K Contemporary will host a Candlelight Conversation with Hunt Slonem on March 13th, 2025, at 5:30pm. The artist rarely travels, so this is a unique opportunity to gain insight into Slonem’s creative process, the inspirations behind his renewed focus on spiritual subjects, and the stories embedded in his colorful masterpieces. A digital catalogue is expected to be released in conjunction with the public program. Space is limited, so contact K Contemporary at gallery@kontemporaryart.com to reserve a seat.