“Why must I feel like that? Why must I chase the cat? Nothing but the dog in me…”
Courtesy of Jeffrey Deitch Gallery
Photography Joshua White 2022
By Julian Lucas
Photography by Ozeylah Maral
Published December 8, 2022 9:30 Am PST
Jeffrey Deitch opened last month with The Rhythm of Vision by George Clinton in Los Angeles. The exhibition was created in parallel with the 40th 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, singer-songwriter, producer, and bandleader of the 70’s Parliament-Funkadelic collective has been a creator, both musically and visually. Clinton's works of art depict the psychedelic worlds of his music, costumes, and stage sets. When the pandemic prevented him from touring, he began a new chapter in his visual art, combining sixty years of themes and characters.
Paying homage, George Clinton’s influenced Lauren Halsey’s artistic vision collaborated in the creation of a sculptural stage inspired by George Clinton’s music. The work is a homage to Clinton’s influence on her artistic vision.
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.
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 Gallery
George Clinton: The Rhythm of Vision with a stage by Lauren Halsey is on view and runs through December 23, 2022.
Jeffrey Deitch Gallery is located at 7000 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA.
Julian Lucas, is a photographer, a purveyor of artists’ books, and writer in training, but mostly a photographer. Julian also works as a housing specialist which, includes linking unhoused veterans to housing.
