George Clinton debuts ‘Light Years’ art installation at NeueHouse Madison Square, on display through June 17

The Godfather of Funk held a performance and conversation at NeueHouse on May 17 to celebrate the unveiling of his art in NYC.

George Clinton, the Godfather of Funk, made his New York City debut in the realm of visual arts at NeueHouse Madison Square on Tuesday with the unveiling of “Light Years,” an art installation that showcases a number of paintings by the funk progenitor. 

The artist responsible for a string of hits that includes “Give Up the Funk,” “Flash Light” and “Atomic Dog” took to the stage at NeueHouse on Tuesday to discuss his nearly six-decade long career and perform with an abridged version of Parliament-Funkadelic, a collective he has headed since forming the group in Newark, NJ. The program was presented by art dealer Spring McManus in conjunction with the Blue Note Jazz Festival as part of Frieze Week NYC, an international art fair. A select number of Clinton’s works are on display at the workspace for visitors to see through June 17.

Nearly 200 guests packed the elevators leading to the 12th floor of NeueHouse to attend the exclusive event. Some high-profile attendees were spotted funkin’ around at the gallery, including Vernon Reid of Living Colour, producer and DJ David Guetta and artist Lynn Goldsmith. Scattered throughout the building were Clinton’s paintings, which often depict figures familiar to P-Funk fans, including dogs and UFOs.

The program began with a discussion between Clinton and moderator DJ Spooky who attempted to illustrate the significance and scope of Clinton’s six-decade long career to the crowd of art enthusiasts. For die-hard P-Funk fans, the topic of conversation was nothing new, but for those unfamiliar with the breadth of Clinton’s work, the discussion provided a surface level understanding of the impact that Clinton’s work has had on contemporary music and art. The pair reminisced about Clinton’s days as a barber in Plainfield, NJ and reflected on songs throughout the funk master’s career before discussing his art.

Clinton began painting after selling a doodle he did of a dog, a nod to his 1982 hit “Atomic Dog” and something he would often add to autographs. 

“I sold one for $20,000,” Clinton said to the crowd at NeueHouse. “I had an instant habit!”

During the conversation, Clinton credited prominent P-Funk artists Pedro Bell and Overton Loyd with influencing how he paints. Clinton’s art is vibrant and textural. Interestingly enough, Clinton is colorblind, and compares his approach at painting to his time in the barbershop cutting hair. 

“I was a barber, so I know how to fade hair,” Clinton said. “Fade, blend from light to dark. I know that concept without being able to see anything colorful. There’s texture and value, I can do that with paint.”

After the conversation, attendees viewed Clinton’s works on display throughout NeueHouse before returning to the 12th floor for an intimate, hour-long performance by Clinton and his band. The Godfather of Funk was joined onstage by bassist Lige Curry, keyboardist Danny Bedrossian, drummer Benzel Baltimore and vocalists Thurteen, Scottie Clinton and Tonysha Nelson, all current members of Parliament-Funkadelic.

The group ripped through an energetic, fun-filled set that included P-Funk staples like “Up for the Down Stroke” and “Red Hot Mama,” as well as tidbits from the early days like “Music For My Mother.” Clinton was in usual form, commandeering the audience in dance like only the funk master could. The audience abided by the laws of funk, grooving so hard the floor should’ve collapsed.

At the night’s conclusion, all the art enthusiasts, collectors and purveyors of funk exited the gallery in a funky haze.