George Clinton, the legendary 84-year-old funk musician behind Parliament-Funkadelic, has opened his first major art exhibition in Paris, marking a remarkable transition from musical icon to visual artist. The show, running through mid-December at the prestigious Mariane Ibrahim Gallery near the French presidential palace, features Clinton's abstract paintings and sculptures, including a piece representing his iconic 1975 "Mothership Connection" concept album.
"I feel like I'm somebody," Clinton said about opening an exhibition in the world's art capital. The self-taught American artist, who revolutionized music in the 1960s with his P-Funk style, has maintained his signature creative philosophy throughout his artistic evolution: "Gotta have that funk."
Clinton's musical journey began at Motown in the 1960s before he assembled a talented group of musicians to create P-Funk, a groundbreaking fusion style that would profoundly influence artists including Prince, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, D'Angelo, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. "We came out of the psychedelic era and everything was permissible," Clinton explained. "I could free my mind, I could do whatever the music turned out to be."
Blending elements of soul, funk, rock, and disco, Clinton captured the spirit of an era marked by rapid social change. His provocative lyrics embodied the sexual liberation of the 1960s and 70s with memorable lines like "Free your mind and your ass will follow," while his legendary four-hour concerts featured him performing in platform boots and alien-inspired costumes with multicolored dreadlocks.
The former New Jersey barber, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 Grammys, has evolved from his days of mind-altering drugs and flamboyant stage presence. Though he now struggles somewhat with mobility, Clinton remains a vital artistic force, staying connected to contemporary music. "As soon as I hear kids making new music that gets on my nerve, that's the music I want, because that's usually telling me, 'This is the new s***,'" he said.
Funk continues to serve as Clinton's guiding principle and creative foundation. "Funk protects you... from getting old... It's that same attitude that frees your mind," he explained. "It's like Star Wars. 'Use the force, Luke.' Use the funk, Luke."
Clinton's artistic journey began with graphic design work, initially styling autographs as dog heads. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he developed his skills more seriously, working with acrylic paints and spray painting techniques. After debuting with a series of shows across the United States, Paris represents his international artistic breakthrough.
His creative approach to visual art mirrors his musical methodology. "I paint the way I do music," Clinton said. "It's just whatever it is, it's all about the vibe." He described his intuitive process: "I did a lot of paintings that came out really good, but I had no idea what they are when I first started, and I don't want to intellectualize it. It's just whatever it is, it's all about the vibe."
However, Clinton's current life isn't without challenges. He has been engaged in lengthy legal battles over copyrights for his extensive musical catalog. Additionally, his characteristic optimism faces testing from America's polarized political climate, particularly given his strong disapproval of President Donald Trump, whom he describes as "like a cartoon - not even a good cartoon."
Fifty years ago, Clinton and Parliament released "Chocolate City," an album that imagined a White House influenced by funk music, featuring Aretha Franklin as First Lady and Stevie Wonder as Secretary of Fine Arts. While that vision seems distant in today's political landscape, Clinton maintains hope for a better future, contingent on one essential element: "We have to keep up the funk."
