'Free Your Mind: George Clinton' was the first ever solo exhibition of paintings and drawings by the legendary musician George Clinton, presented in collaboration with SPILLMAN | BLACKWELL and Spring McManus Art Advisory (SMAA). The exhibition, which coincided with Prospect New Orleans and the artist’s 80th birthday, featured recent paintings as well as historical works from the past thirty years, and provides a never-before-seen overview of Clinton’s journey as a visual artist. The exhibit opened October 2, 2021 in conjunction with Art for Arts’ Sake in the New Orleans Arts District, with additional programming alongside the opening weekend of Prospect.5 later in the month.
In the 1970s and 80s, George Clinton revolutionized music and performance through the pioneering work of the band Parliament-Funkadelic. His original sounds and visual sensibilities are part of the founding DNA of electronic funk, gangsta-funk, and hip-hop. Clinton continues to have an extraordinary influence over popular music and culture and has inspired the works of countless musicians including Snoop Dog, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, among many others.Clinton’s paintings and sculptures riff on themes from his music, including images of his iconic“Atomic Dog” and “Mothership”.
“As a visual artist, Clinton’s body of work is as adventurous and eclectic as his music,” said Spring McManus, who manages the sales of Clinton’s visual works.“His rhythm and energy translate into lyrical compositions with sweeping forms.”
When his “Farewell Tour” was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic, Clinton spent the quarantine in his studio in Florida, creating new paintings as well as a series of painted birdhouses. A selection of these works was on view. Clinton’s body of work is experiencing a resurgence in national and international prominence. A replica of his “Mothership”, considered the most iconic stage prop in African-American musical history, is now on view as part of Mothership: Voyage into Afrofuturism, a group exhibition at the Oakland Museum of Art. Clinton’s work inspired the Afrofuturist movement, and appears alongside artists Wangechi Mutu, Dora Milaje, and William Cordova, among others.
A percentage of proceeds from the sales of Free Your Mind was donated to Mr. Clinton’s foundation, Protecting Our Legacy, which supports musicians and their families to acquire and maintain the rights to their works.
To celebrate this exhibition as well as Prospect.5, SPILLMAN | BLACKWELL hosted an opening reception on October 23rd, 2022, where Mr. Clinton was present.