71-73

Los Angeles: Chris Burden, 1974. First edition. Near fine.. Uncommon and important book from the noted performance and conceptual artist in uncommonly good condition. Conceptual artist's book and catalogue documenting Burden's absolute commitment to the bit. For the 23 exhibitions and pieces performed over the two-year period recorded within, Burden had himself shot (by a gun and by a photographer, simultaneously), stuffed into a locker, electrocuted, set on fire, and pierced with broken glass, variously bringing his own physical body into violent conflict with the harsher elements of the physical world, artistically. Other performance pieces lacked (truncated) an overtly confrontational element ("I disappeared for three days without prior notice to anyone"), while still others elicited the strongest emotional outbursts from audiences without a muscle moved or a drop of blood spilt ("I remained immobile and speechless during the performance. Many people tried to talk to me, one assaulted me, and one left sobbing hysterically.") Burden's work photographed in process by Alfred Lutjeans, Barbara Smith, Michael Brewster, and others. 10.5'' x 8.5''. Original black and red printed wrappers. Light scuffing to edges; small creases to covers; short closed tear to rear wrapper. 84 pages. (Inventory #: 40333)