Burden, Chris | Can not do nails, 1974 — available on Composition Gallery

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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.

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.

Chris Burden

Can not do nails, 1974

Name: Can not do nails, 1974
SKU: 4534
Price: 11300.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Form

Photography

PhotographyPhotography is the process of creating an image on light sensitive materials. The image is produced by using a camera, which has a lens that focuses on light either reflected or emitted from an object. These visible wavelengths are used to reproduce the image seen.

Medium

Lithograph

Lithograph Lithography is a printing method based on the principle that water and oil do not mix. It can be used to print artwork or text onto paper or other suitable materials. Traditionally, an image was drawn with wax, fat, or oil onto a lithographic limestone surface or plate. Today, metal plates and other surfaces are also used in lithographic printing.

Edition

Edition of 50

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Photolithograph printed in colors on wove paper

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“Limits” is a relative term. Like beauty, it is often in the eye of the beholder.

- Chris Burden

Chris Burden (b. 1946 USA, d. 2015 USA) was an influential American artist known for his provocative and often extreme performance art. Burden's work challenged the boundaries of art and life, using his body as a medium to explore themes of pain, endurance, and the role of the artist in society. His most famous piece, Shoot (1971), involved being shot in the arm by an assistant, a performance that epitomized his commitment to pushing the limits of physical and psychological experience. Beyond performance, Burden also created large-scale sculptures and installations that addressed issues such as power, technology, and the urban environment. His work has left an indelible mark on contemporary art, inspiring future generations to rethink the possibilities of art as a form of social commentary.

Artwork by Marcel Duchamp

What is Found Object?

A found object is a term used to describe a man-made or natural object, or a fragment of one, that an artist discovers or purchases and keeps for inspiration or as a work of art. The artist may also modify the object or incorporate it into a collage or assemblage, transforming it into a new piece of art.

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Chris Burden

Can not do nails, 1974

50.8 x 40.6 cm

Language & Currency

Chris Burden