Dr. Funkenstein Acrylics: Art, Rhythm, and the Power of a Free Mind
@drfunkenstein_acrylics
Product page: https://drfunkensteinacrylics.bigcartel.com/
Operating at the intersection of music, community, and visual art, this artist has developed a practice that extends beyond the studio into the social fabric of Miami’s creative scene. Drawing from the energy of funk—particularly the legacy of George Clinton—the work embraces rhythm, improvisation, and what can best be described as a controlled chaos, where structure and spontaneity coexist.
Through the performative alter ego of Dr. Funkenstein and a growing network of events, collaborations, and educational initiatives, the practice expands into a broader cultural movement. More than producing artworks, it actively builds community, creating platforms that connect artists, collectors, and audiences in meaningful ways. In this conversation, the artist reflects on authorship, opportunity, and the evolving dynamics of Miami’s art ecosystem.
AMM. Your practice exists at the intersection of music, community, and painting. How does the energy of funk—particularly the influence of George Clinton—translate into formal decisions within your visual work?
DrFA. Funk is about blending freedom and rhythm. A game of how far can I go or take this and still come back to where I started. I do George Clinton, the original Dr. Funkenstein, is a pioneer; an explorer. He’s not afraid to try new things, yet he’s also a master of controlled chaos. I create my art with that same controlled chaos. Like the famous George Clinton & PFunk lyric says, “Free Your Mind, and Your Ass Will Follow”
AMM. The use of the alter ego Dr. Funkenstein introduces a performative dimension to your artistic identity. To what extent does this persona function as an extension of your practice, and how does it shape notions of authorship and authenticity in your work?
DrFA. Dr. Funkenstein isn’t someone else. It’s me, amplified. It’s me not being afraid to be myself, almost like when musicians are wearing sunglasses or a different persona on stage. It gives me the confidence to find new opportunities while still being me and the freedom to keep expanding my creative toolbox.
AMM. You have developed a practice that not only produces artworks but also builds community through events and teaching. How do you understand the role of the contemporary artist as both creator and cultural facilitator?
DrFA. I really enjoy teaching and inspiring others. Over the last 3 years, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to teach and inspire over 6,000 students through a variety of art classes, workshops, and courses.
For me, being an artist is about creating and inspiring. But my roots and business background made me realize that Miami needs more than just your average art gallery and art classes. It needs a community and artists need more opportunities. So after some encouraging feedback, I took it upon myself to create a supportive community and brand that brings the collectors closer to the creators. We need to realize it’s important to support each other. Everyone in my community knows my motto is a High Tide Raises All Ships.
AMM. What type of opportunities has your art led you to or what doors has it opened up?
DrFA. Over the past several years, my art has brought me countless opportunities and connections. From my experience, I know how important it is to capitalize on these opportunities and expand them into something larger. From my art came several opportunities. From those opportunities to came my events. And most recently, I’ve been manifesting more and more opportunities including being the featured artist for Jam Cruise 22 as well as showcasing and selling my art at the first annual PFunk Festival with George Clinton in Tallahassee, which were both huge, game-changing, and eye-opening experiences.
AMM. Your trajectory in Miami—marked by collaborations, alternative spaces, and participation in events such as Art Basel—places your work across multiple art circuits. How do you navigate the tension between the spontaneity of underground culture and the structures of the global art market?
DrFA. I enjoy having the freedom and confidence to explore both worlds and seize whatever opportunities I can. Having a strong community and business background has now enabled me to bring together both worlds to provide more opportunities to other artists. I have the confidence to be myself while also supporting others. Now I have a collective of 350+ artists I’ve featured through my own events. I did not participate in Art Basel, but I did have my own set of events over the past two years during Miami Art Week called FUNK BASEL, in which I featured 100+ artists from all over the world!
AMM. Aside from Funk Basel, what other events do you do and how did they start?
DrFA. I curated my first local event within 7 months of moving to Miami, and by my third event, I named it Dr. Funk’s Rooftop Fam because I realized the importance of the supportive family and community I was growing. What once started with less than 20 people on a rooftop in December 2023 has now grown into my own collective of artists known as The F.A.M. (aka Funky Art Movement), which I’ve featured through my events. Now I’m curating up to 5 events a month, collaborating with different brands and artists from all over the world!
AMM. How do you perceive the current state of the art ecosystem within Miami’s artistic community, and what role should government and cultural institutions play in fostering conditions that allow art to reach—and meaningfully support—the next generation of emerging artists?
DrFA. Right now we’re in what I sometimes refer to as the “Instagram or TikTok Era… Unfortunatekt sometimes it feels like we put in so much work just for a few likes and comments. The next generation doesn’t just need exposure—they need opportunity and sustainability. Real life opportunities, not just a couple comments or likes on social media. So I think it’s important to keep investing in local galleries, events, and the local communities. It’s the next generation that will be leading us, let’s continue to support and inspire each other.
About The Artist
Born and raised in Richmond, VA, Eric Mohta, aka Dr. Funkenstein Acrylics, had the opportunity to engage in art and design from an early age. Among his friends in RVA, he was always known for bringing people together with music, whether it was his funky house parties or emceeing for huge music festivals! As a tribute to his funky influences, he undertook the alter ego Dr. Funkenstein, a tribute to one of his favorite musicians, George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic.
Driven by a desire to immerse themselves in a more vibrant and diverse art & music scene, Dr. Funk relocated to Miami, FL. His goal? To paint anything he can get his hands on! He especially loves the freedom of fluid art and lets the music speak to him when he paints.
He now also curates art events to help bring the local Miami community together and lives by the motto: A High Tide Raises All Ships. Since moving to Miami, Dr Funk has also taught art classes and workshops at a number of local venues and art galleries, including the Fluid Bear Workshop and Majorwavez Lab, where he has helped guide over 6000+ students.
He has also collabed with amazing artists and brands such as Robohood Inc, Klientel Art, Wandering Crafts, Rosewood, Exti, Porti, Zapico, and KEDS.
Along with his own curated events, Dr Funk has also had the opportunity to showcase his art at events and venues such as: Art Basel, Miami Art Week, Cookies Grand Opening, Sacred Cloth Company Gala, 7 Layer Studio, Essentials Gallery, Kava Villa, BuroWynwood, Sunny Side Up Market, Skatebird, MODE, Open Air Markets 4 U, Bay 13 Brewing, Unbranded Brewing, Ark Smoke Shop, Grails, Tripping Animals Brewery, and The Atrium Downtown.
