Chris Burden – Can not do nails, 1974 – Lithograph
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 (USA, 1946–2015) was a groundbreaking performance and conceptual artist known for works that pushed physical and psychological limits. Famous pieces like Shoot (1971) and Trans-Fixed (1974) explored themes of danger, endurance, and societal boundaries. Later in his career, Burden created large-scale installations and sculptures, blending engineering with artistic innovation.
Artwork Copyright © Chris Burden

Chris Burden

Can not do nails, 1974

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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 (USA, 1946–2015) was a groundbreaking performance and conceptual artist known for works that pushed physical and psychological limits. Famous pieces like Shoot (1971) and Trans-Fixed (1974) explored themes of danger, endurance, and societal boundaries. Later in his career, Burden created large-scale installations and sculptures, blending engineering with artistic innovation.
Artwork Copyright © Chris Burden
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Chris Burden – If You Fly, If You Drive (diptych), 1973 – Lithograph

Chris Burden

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

Limited Edition Print

Lithograph

USD 12,500

Chris Burden – Can not do nails, 1974 – Lithograph

Chris Burden

Can not do nails, 1974

Photography

Lithograph

USD 11,300

Chris Burden – Submarine, 1987 – Mixed Media

Chris Burden

Submarine, 1987

Sculpture / Object

Mixed Media

USD 4,850

Chris Burden – Cantilever Bridges, 2000 – Aquatint

Chris Burden

Cantilever Bridges, 2000

Limited Edition Print

Aquatint

Currently Not Available

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What is Postminimalism?
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Chris Burden – Can not do nails, 1974 – Lithograph

Chris Burden

Can not do nails, 1974

50.8 x 40.6 cm

Est. 2005 — twenty years of collecting, online.