BURDEN

From his controversial performances of the early 1970s to his most recent sculptures and installations, ChrisBurden's work has consistently raised questions about the limits and nature of modern art. 

During the early 70s his provocative, often dangerous, performances shook the conventional art world and earned Burden a place in the art history books while still in his early 20s. He had himself shot, locked up, electrocuted, cut, crucified, and advertised on television. The press dubbed him "the Evel Knievel of the art world" and as the 1970s progressed Burden became disillusioned with public expectations and misconceptions about his work. As the pressure grew, the line between his life and his art blurred.

Burden quit performance in the late 70s and had to artistically reinvent himself, struggling to overcome people’s preconceptions based on his early work. He went on to create a multitude of installations and sculptures. His work has influenced a generation of artists and been exhibited around the world, but the provocative nature of his art coupled with his sense of privacy mean that most people know the myth rather than the man.

Chris Burden sadly passed away in May 2015. Using unprecedented access to Burden's archive as well as candid footage filmed with the artist in the final years of his life, this film is a revealing portrait of the man behind some of the most thought provoking and influential artworks of the past 50 years.
 

SCREENING: Crowley Theater - SUN 7/17 - 1:00 PM

Documentary Feature
90m
USA