Chris Burden

American, 1946 - 2015

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See all 19 works of art
This is a painting of a whimsical illustration with various elements labeled as part of a "family." The painting includes handwritten text in blue and red, asking "WHAT IS A FAMILY IS IT?" and "DO THEY KISS?" along with drawings. The visual elements include a woman on a bench, elephants, cats labeled as "twin," dogs, a parrot, fruit trees, and a cactus garden. The style of the drawing is naive, with simple lines and bright colors.
Chris Burden, Xavier Fumat, Richard Kaz, Minyoung Park, James Reid, Amy Robinson, Carmen Schilaci, Maureen M. Staley, Jennifer Turner, Gemini G.E.L., What Is a Family? [special proof], started 2000, published 2001, color lithograph and screenprint on Rives BFK wove paper [special proof], Gift of Gemini G.E.L., LLC and the Artist, 2015.23.387

What Is a Family? [special proof]

Chris Burden, Xavier Fumat, Richard Kaz, Minyoung Park, James Reid, Amy Robinson, Carmen Schilaci, Maureen M. Staley, Jennifer Turner, Gemini G.E.L. · started 2000, published 2001 · color lithograph and screenprint on Rives BFK wove paper [special proof] ·  Accession ID  2015.23.387

The image is an engraving of a proposed iron bridge in Mexico from 1860. The viewpoint is slightly elevated, showing the bridge structure and surrounding landscape. The horizon line is high, with parts of distant land visible above the bridge. The engraving style features detailed lines, focusing on the lattice work of the bridge. The color scheme is black and white. In the foreground, there are trees and rocks, with the bridge extending across a gorge or valley, connecting elevated rocky areas. In the background, there are hills and rocky formations.
Chris Burden, Dena Schuckit, Arch Bridges [working proof 3], 2000, photogravure on wove paper [working proof 3], Gift of Kathan Brown, 2024.132.244

Arch Bridges [working proof 3]

Chris Burden, Dena Schuckit · 2000 · photogravure on wove paper [working proof 3] ·  Accession ID  2024.132.244

This is a drawing of a stylized Japanese bridge. The image features an elegantly arched bridge with intricate patterns and designs along its structure. The bridge is presented with an emphasis on geometric shapes and symmetrical forms, including repetitive diamond and circular motifs that decorate its length. Beneath the bridge is an area of heavy shading. The simplicity of the black-and-white color scheme allows the detailed linework and decorative elements to stand out. The words "Japanese Bridge" appear beside the structure, labeling the artwork.
Chris Burden, Dena Schuckit, Arch Bridges [working proof 1], 2000, photogravure on wove paper [working proof 1], Gift of Kathan Brown, 2024.132.242

Arch Bridges [working proof 1]

Chris Burden, Dena Schuckit · 2000 · photogravure on wove paper [working proof 1] ·  Accession ID  2024.132.242

The image shows a large steel bridge over water, with an urban skyline faintly visible in the background. A ship is passing under the bridge, emphasizing its size. Stone towers anchor each end of the bridge to the land. The artwork uses a black and white palette and detailed rendering to depict the bridge, ship, and water.
Chris Burden, Dena Schuckit, Arch Bridges [working proof 2], 2000, photogravure on wove paper [working proof 2], Gift of Kathan Brown, 2024.132.243

Arch Bridges [working proof 2]

Chris Burden, Dena Schuckit · 2000 · photogravure on wove paper [working proof 2] ·  Accession ID  2024.132.243

This is a drawing of a structural design concept. The image shows a rectangular sheet of white paper with a hand-drawn diagram in black ink. The diagram represents a conceptual structure with a tall, narrow base, horizontal steps marked with numbers, a horizontal line, and a curved line. The white paper is placed on a larger yellow graph paper with grid marks and measurement indicators. Annotations and guidelines along the borders indicate distances. The arrangement suggests a technical or architectural drawing in progress.
Chris Burden, The Master Builder, 2000, a) pen and black ink on plastic film adhered to yellow masking paper b) offset lithograph on plastic film adhered to yellow masking paper, Gift of Kathan Brown, 2024.132.247.a-b

The Master Builder

Chris Burden · 2000 · a) pen and black ink on plastic film adhered to yellow masking paper b) offset lithograph on plastic film adhered to yellow masking paper ·  Accession ID  2024.132.247.a-b

This is a construction-themed illustration titled "The Master Builder." It features the words "THE MASTER BUILDER" in dotted line letters at the center, framed by a rectangular border resembling a mechanical or construction set with evenly spaced dots. Below the text is an illustration of a bridge or structure, with two small figures on the sides engaged in building or observing. The scene gives the impression of a blueprint or instructional diagram for a construction toy set, with detailed line work and mechanical elements.
Chris Burden, Dena Schuckit, The Master Builder [working proof 1], 2000, photogravure on wove paper [working proof 1], Gift of Kathan Brown, 2024.132.245

The Master Builder [working proof 1]

Chris Burden, Dena Schuckit · 2000 · photogravure on wove paper [working proof 1] ·  Accession ID  2024.132.245

This is a drawing of "The Master Builder" with children playing on a piece of play equipment. The children are engaged in playful construction or use of a structure that resembles a playground or toy fort, depicted against a black background. The words "THE MASTER BUILDER" are prominently featured at the top of the composition in a dotted, stencil-like typeface. The image uses a simple, monochrome color scheme with small details added to give texture and interest within the confines of a bordered panel.
Chris Burden, Dena Schuckit, The Master Builder [working proof 2], 2000, photogravure and aquatint on wove paper [working proof 2], Gift of Kathan Brown, 2024.132.246

The Master Builder [working proof 2]

Chris Burden, Dena Schuckit · 2000 · photogravure and aquatint on wove paper [working proof 2] ·  Accession ID  2024.132.246

This is a drawing of a truss bridge. It shows a detailed illustration of a large truss bridge structure against a black background. The bridge consists of two main sections with pyramid-shaped trusses for support. The foundations of the bridge are shown resting on stone or concrete supports. The image emphasizes the technical precision and engineering complexity of the structure, depicted in black and white for contrast.
Chris Burden, Dena Schuckit, Cantilever Bridges [working proof 7], 2000, color photogravure with spit bite aquatint and aquatint on Somerset paper (WP 7 – black photogravure of Cantilever Bridge with black background) [working proof 7], Gift of Kathan Brown, 2024.132.238

Cantilever Bridges [working proof 7]

Chris Burden, Dena Schuckit · 2000 · color photogravure with spit bite aquatint and aquatint on Somerset paper (WP 7 – black photogravure of Cantilever Bridge with black background) [working proof 7] ·  Accession ID  2024.132.238

The image is a monochromatic artwork depicting a landscape. The horizon line is positioned midway vertically across the composition, where a darker tone signifies the meeting point of land and sky. There is a silhouette of a figure to the right, crouching close to us. Brushstrokes are loose and fluid, creating an abstract quality. The color palette consists of varying shades of grey, from deep charcoal to lighter gray tones. Details are suggested rather than explicitly defined, inviting a focus on forms and contrasts.
Chris Burden, Dena Schuckit, Cantilever Bridges [working proof 2], 2000, color photogravure with spit bite aquatint and aquatint on Somerset paper (WP 2 – black spit bite of sea and sky for central image) [working proof 2], Gift of Kathan Brown, 2024.132.233

Cantilever Bridges [working proof 2]

Chris Burden, Dena Schuckit · 2000 · color photogravure with spit bite aquatint and aquatint on Somerset paper (WP 2 – black spit bite of sea and sky for central image) [working proof 2] ·  Accession ID  2024.132.233

This is a drawing of an industrial structure assembly or a model bridge construction scene. The image displays a detailed sketch of a truss bridge-like structure. The intricate lattice work of the metal bridge components is central in the image, initially positioned across the top and then seemingly deconstructed or in various stages of assembly towards the middle and bottom portion of the scene. The drawing is further enclosed in a grid-patterned frame with measurements.
Chris Burden, Cantilever Bridges, 2000, five films for central image, Cantilever Bridge A, Cantilever Bridge B and Cantilever Bridge with black background, Gift of Kathan Brown, 2024.132.239.a-e

Cantilever Bridges

Chris Burden · 2000 · five films for central image, Cantilever Bridge A, Cantilever Bridge B and Cantilever Bridge with black background ·  Accession ID  2024.132.239.a-e