Chris Burden (1946–2015) was a groundbreaking American artist known for his provocative and often controversial performances, installations, and sculptures that challenged conventional boundaries of art and the human body. Burden’s work often explored themes of pain, endurance, and vulnerability, as well as the intersection of art and power dynamics.

He gained notoriety in the early 1970s with performances that pushed the limits of physical and psychological endurance. One of his most infamous works, Shoot (1971), involved Burden being shot in the arm by an assistant at close range, commenting on violence, the media, and the desensitization of society. Other works like Trans-Fixed (1974), where Burden was nailed to a Volkswagen Beetle, and Bed Piece (1972), where he spent days lying motionless in a bed, showcased his willingness to subject himself to extreme physical and emotional states as a means of confronting societal taboos.

In the later part of his career, Burden shifted towards large-scale sculptures and installations. His monumental piece Urban Light (2008), consisting of 202 restored vintage street lamps arranged in a striking pattern, became one of his most iconic works and is permanently installed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). This work, like much of his later art, focused on transforming ordinary objects into poetic, meaningful symbols that questioned the human relationship to space, technology, and the environment.

Across all these works, Burden explored the relationship between the artist and the audience, pushing them to question not only the limits of art but also their own perceptions of suffering, sacrifice, and what it means to truly witness. His art is a challenge—a demand to look deeper, to feel more, and to engage with the complexities of being human in a world that is often indifferent to our suffering.

Burden’s career was marked by a constant reinvention of his practice, from intense, physically demanding performances to sophisticated, contemplative sculptures. He remains one of the most influential artists of his generation, revered for his fearless exploration of human nature, the limits of endurance, and the complexities of power and vulnerability in modern society.

Exhibitions by Chris Burden include: Extreme Measures” (2013–2014) was held at the New Museum, New York. “Urban Light” (2008 – Present) is permanently installed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). “What My Dad Gave Me” (2008) was exhibited at the Newport Street Gallery, London. “The Other Vietnam War Memorial” (1988) was shown at various venues. “The Five Day Locker Piece” (1971) was performed at various performance venues. “Trans-fixed” (1974) took place at various performance venues. “Shoot” (1971) was also performed at various performance venues. “Metropolis II” (2010) was exhibited at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Finally, “Chris Burden: All the Subtle Details” (2013) was shown at the Newport Street Gallery, London.

Through the Night Softly is part of the No Pain, No Gain a Touring Programme curated by Film and Video Umbrella supported by Arts Council England

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