Sam Francis

Untitled, 1984

106.7 X 73 inch

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If You Fly, If You Drive (diptych)

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Submarine

Chris Burden Can Not Do Nails photolithograph with handwritten note above black-and-white photo of artist’s hands expressing exhaustion.

Photolithograph printed in colors on wove paper // Can Not Do Nails by Chris Burden, a photolithograph from 1974, captures a handwritten message above an image of the artist’s hands, conveying a raw, personal moment. The note, written in bold, distressed script, reads, Chris—took bus to work. Can NOT do nails. Couldn't sleep, revealing vulnerability and exhaustion. The stark contrast between the handwriting and the black-and-white photograph of hands emphasizes a feeling of fatigue and human fragility. Known for his provocative and performance-based art, Burden uses this simple yet powerful piece to communicate personal struggle, embodying his characteristic approach of merging the personal with artistic expression.

Artwork Copyright © Chris Burden

Can not do nails, 1974

form

Medium

Edition

Photolithograph printed in colors on wove paper // Can Not Do Nails by Chris Burden, a photolithograph from 1974, captures a handwritten message above an image of the artist’s hands, conveying a raw, personal moment. The note, written in bold, distressed script, reads, Chris—took bus to work. Can NOT do nails. Couldn't sleep, revealing vulnerability and exhaustion. The stark contrast between the handwriting and the black-and-white photograph of hands emphasizes a feeling of fatigue and human fragility. Known for his provocative and performance-based art, Burden uses this simple yet powerful piece to communicate personal struggle, embodying his characteristic approach of merging the personal with artistic expression.

Artwork Copyright © Chris Burden

Chris Burden

If You Fly, If You Drive (diptych), 1973

Limited Edition Print

Lithograph

USD 12,500

Chris Burden

Can Not Do Nails, 1974

Photography

Lithograph

USD 11,300

Chris Burden

Submarine, 1987

Sculpture / Object

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Limited Edition Print

Aquatint

Currently Not Available

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What is Live Art?

Live art is a form of performance that began in the 1960s and is generally exploratory and innovative. It involves a single artist or an artist group presenting the work before a live audience. The performances can include humans, animals, and living plants, often blurring the boundaries between art and life, and encouraging interaction with the audience.

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