The rhythm of vision exhibition | 4 November 2022 - 14 January 2023

CURRENTLY SHOWING

George Clinton: The Rhythm of Vision with a stage by Lauren Halsey

November 5–January 14, 2023

Accquire limited edition silkscreen here

7000 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles

The Rhythm of Vision, an exhibition of paintings and other artworks by the legendary musician, performer, and godfather of funk, George Clinton, will open at Jeffrey Deitch, Los Angeles on November 5. The opening date coincides with the fortieth anniversary of the release of Atomic Dog, Clinton’s #1 record that inspired much of the hip hop music of the 1980s and ‘90s.

George Clinton has been creating visual art for almost as long as he has been creating music. Starting with a rock drawing in 1959, and then evolving his iconic autograph derived from a silhouette of a dog, he was continuously sketching in the back of his tour bus. Clinton’s paintings translate the psychedelic world of his music, costumes and stage sets into visual art. During the past several years, when he was unable to tour because of the pandemic, he entered a new chapter in his visual art, synthesizing sixty years of themes and characters.

The exhibition title, The Rhythm of Vision was selected by Clinton from the lyrics of a 1978 Parliament song.

One with real eyes realize that the rhythm of vision is a dancer
And when he dance it’s always on the one
Goin’ down you could see sounds of silence
Primal heartbeats could be seen with the naked eye

George Clinton is renowned as one of the pioneers of funk music. His Afro-Futurist performances, his lyrical mythology, and his social commentary have profoundly influenced contemporary culture. Clinton has been creating a lexicon of funk which is visualized in his paintings.

The centerpiece of the exhibition will be Moia Dat (2022), a monumental painting featuring an image of Clinton’s Mothership, the fantasy space vehicle that would descend onto the stage during Parliament / Funkadelic performances from which Clinton’s alto ego, Dr. Funkenstein would emerge.

Lauren Halsey is collaborating on the exhibition by creating a sculptural stage inspired by George Clinton’s music. The work is a homage to Clinton’s influence on her artistic vision.
Clinton will be giving a spoken word performance on the stage on Sunday, November 6 at 3:00 PM.

The Rhythm of Vision is George Clinton’s first art exhibition in Los Angeles. This is not Clinton’s first project in the 7000 Santa Monica Boulevard building, however. He recorded several of his songs in what is now the exhibition space when it was the home of the famous recording studio, Radio Recorders. Clinton lives and works in Tallahassee, FL.

Jeffrey Deitch