Burden, Chris | Submarine, 1987 — available on Composition Gallery

From All The Submarines Of The Unites States Of America. Cardboard and metal

Submarine by Chris Burden is a mixed-media sculpture created in 1987 as part of his series All The Submarines of the United States of America. Constructed from cardboard and metal, this model is a minimalist representation of a submarine, capturing its essential form with raw materials. The piece embodies Burden's exploration of themes such as military power and the hidden, often ominous presence of underwater vessels. The sculpture's simplicity emphasizes the anonymity and ubiquity of submarines, making a subtle commentary on the covert nature of naval operations. Its modest size and unadorned construction evoke both fragility and functionality, drawing attention to the inconspicuous yet impactful role submarines play in military contexts.

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

Submarine, 1987

Name: Submarine, 1987
SKU: 4533
Price: 4850.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Form

Sculpture / Object

Sculpture / ObjectA sculpture is a three-dimension object made using any one of the basic sculpting processes. These include carving, casting, constructing or modeling. Carving materials may be bone, ivory, stone or wood. Modeling and casting use clay or wax, while constructions glue materials together.

Medium

Mixed Media

Mixed MediaMixed media refers to artwork that incorporates more than one medium within a single piece. Unlike multimedia art, which combines distinct forms of visual art and often includes elements like sound, video, or digital media, mixed media focuses on combining traditional art materials, such as paint, ink, and collage. Mixed media art allows artists to achieve a wide range of effects and textures by layering and blending different materials.

Authenticity Guaranteed
Insured Shipping
Online Since 2005

●Inventory 4533

●Not signed

●Comes with gallery invoice and certificate

●Sell Us a Similar Artwork. Learn more.

From All The Submarines Of The Unites States Of America. Cardboard and metal

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

Mixed Media

USD 4,850

Chris Burden

Cantilever Bridges, 2000

Limited Edition Print

Aquatint

Currently Not Available

No sold works to show.

“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 Louise Bourgeois

What is Postmodernism?

Postmodernism is an art movement that emerged as a reaction against authority and traditional boundaries, seeking to blur the lines between art and everyday life. It aimed to bridge the gap between the cultural elite and the general public by embracing eclectic mixtures of earlier conventions and styles. Postmodernist art often challenges established norms and celebrates diversity, irony, and pastiche, making it a movement that reflects the complexities of contemporary culture.

Explore »

Language & Currency

Chris Burden