George Clinton, P-Funk founder, to make his NYC solo art debut in 'Light Years'
Chris JordanDuring his career, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer George Clinton blazed new trails in music and stage presentation.
Now he's taking it to the canvas.
Clinton, who founded Parliament Funkadelic in a Plainfield barbershop, will make his New York City solo art debut in “George Clinton: Light Years,” showing Tuesday, May 17, to Friday, June 17, at NeueHouse Madison Square in New York City.
The kick-off event on May 17 will feature Clinton in a discussion with DJ Spooky, followed by a performance.
“That’s my other love,” said Clinton previously to the USA Today Network New Jersey. “People that identify with Parliament Funkadelic know that imagery, the look of the group and the music and album covers. I got hooked on it when Pedro Bell first started (illustrating the album covers) and Overton Loyd did our album covers.”
Loyd, who illustrated the cover of the P-Funk classic album “Motor Booty Affair” and more, is currently working with Clinton.
“I've been painting for the last 10 years, I guess,” Clinton said. “But lately since this pandemic happened, I had a chance to just be into it, so I have 350 pieces.”
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Clinton, who is color blind, uses acrylic, aerosol, charcoal, oil pastels and more for his works. He was the visionary of the famous Mothership, now in the Smithsonian, and the P-Funk costumes.
“The imagery of that was artsy-fartsy,” said Clinton, who will be 81 on July 22. “That was our thing.”
Clinton debuted his artwork last October in New Orleans.
Email kali@springmcmanus.com to attend the opening reception or to schedule an appointment to view the exhibit.
Visit georgeclintonart.org for more on Clinton's art.
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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com