Chris Burden Sold at Auction Prices

Object Artist, Sculptor, b. 1946 - d. 2015

(b Boston 1946) American performance artist, Chris Burden was born in Boston and studied at Pomona College before receiving his M.F.A. from the University of California in 1971. He gained a reputation as a controversial artist in the 1970s after a number of his performance pieces put his health in danger. Particularly alarming was his 1971 performance entitled Shoot, in which he had an assistant shoot him in the arm at close range. Burden explained his risky behavior by saying that performance art was an arena where he could express himself after graduating from school when he had little money. Burden moved from performance art to large-scale sculpture in the eighties, hinting at his original interest in architecture and engineering. His work continues in this vein today, building monumental replicas of skyscrapers out of erector set toys.

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Nov. 30, 2023
Chris Burden, Medusa's Head
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Chris Burden Medusa's Head 1987 / 1990 laserjet with hand-drawn ink additions sight: 18.375 h x 20.125 w in (47 x 51 cm) Signed, dated and inscribed to lower right 'For Elian Pascal Chris Burden 1990'. Provenance: Gift from the artist, Elian 'Winki' Pascal, Los Angeles | Private Collection This work will ship from Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Nov. 30, 2023
Chris Burden, Static Test
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
Chris Burden Static Test 2000 C-print image: 20 h x 11.5 w in (51 x 29 cm) sheet: 20 h x 16 w in (51 x 41 cm) Signed, titled and dated to right margin 'Static Test 10-50lbs.bags 1/4 Ton Bridge Chris Burden 2000'. This work is from the edition of 10. Provenance: Gift from the artist, Elian 'Winki' Pascal, Los Angeles | Private Collection This work will ship from Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Oct. 19, 2023
Chris Burden, Relic from 'La Chiarificazione'
Est: $25,000 - $35,000
Chris Burden Relic from 'La Chiarificazione' 1975 hammer, printed paper, pedestal 48 h x 24 w x 10.375 d in (122 x 61 x 26 cm) Provenance: Gagosian Gallery, West Hollywood | Acquired from the previous, Collection of Harvey La Tourette, M.D. | Acquired from the previous, Private Collection, California Exhibited: Chris Burden: A Twenty Year Survey, 17 April - 12 June 1988, Newport Harbor Art Museum, Newport Beach (traveling exhibition) Literature: Chris Burden: A Twenty Year Survey, Ayres and Schimmel, ppg. 157-158, 167 This work will ship from Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Oct. 05, 2023
Gallant Gallic Warrior
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Chris Burden 1946 - 2015 Gallant Gallic Warrior a unique object, collage and ink on paper board, signed, titled, and dated in pencil, annotated 'control panel from S.S.T.' and 'Gallic war helmet' in ink, framed, Rosamund Felsen Gallery and Christine Burgin Gallery labels on the reverse, 1979 board: 31⅛ by 40 in. (79.1 by 101.6 cm.) frame: 32¾ by 40¾ in. (83.2 by 103.5 cm.)
Sotheby's
Sep. 07, 2023
Chris Burden, Mini Skyscraper on Little Mesa
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Chris Burden Mini Skyscraper on Little Mesa 2003 offset print in colors on embossed metal 34.5 h x 26.75 w in (88 x 68 cm) Signed, dated, numbered and inscribed to lower edge 'To Irene Chris Burden AP 1/30 2003'. This work is artist's proof 1 of 30 apart from the edition of 100 published by Contemporary Editions, Los Angeles, a publishing initiative of Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE). Sold with a certificate of authenticity from Contemporary Editions, Los Angeles. This work will ship from Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Jun. 21, 2023
Chris Burden, Full Financial Disclosure
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Chris Burden Full Financial Disclosure 1976-77 check and printed label collage mounted to paperboard image: 3.5 h x 6 w in (9 x 15 cm) sight: 13.75 h x 10.25 w in (35 x 26 cm) Signed to check lower right 'Christopher Burden'. Signed, dated and inscribed lower center 'Chris Burden to Ron Feldman Chris Burden 1977'. Provenance: Los Angeles Modern Auctions, Modern Art & Design, 12 October 2014, Lot 226 | Private Collection Literature: Full Financial Disclosure, Baum Silverman Gallery exhibition catalog, 1977, cover Chris Burden, Hoffman, ppg. 69, 373 Chris Burden: Extreme Measures, Phillips, ed., ppg. 25, 134, 230 This work will ship from Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Jun. 21, 2023
Chris Burden, 747; Bed Piece; Prelude to 220, or 110 (in two parts) (four works)
Est: $50,000 - $70,000
Chris Burden 747; Bed Piece; Prelude to 220, or 110 (in two parts) (four works) 1971-73 gelatin silver print sheet (or alternate orientation): 13.5 h x 10.5 w in (34 x 27 cm) Signed, dated and numbered to lower right of 747 '1/5 Chris Burden 73'. Signed, dated and numbered to lower right of Bed Piece '2/5 Chris Burden 72'. Signed, dated and numbered to lower right of Prelude to 220, or 110 (in two parts) '1/5 Chris Burden 71' and '1/5 Chris Burden 71'. These works are numbers 1 and 2 from the editions of 5. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist c. 1975 by the present owner Literature: Chris Burden: A Twenty Year Survey, Ayres and Schimmel, ppg. 50, 55, 59 Chris Burden: Beyond the Limits, Noever, ppg. 201, 205 This work will ship from Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Dec. 15, 2022
Chris Burden, Untitled
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Chris Burden Untitled 1974 lithograph with hand-colored applique on Copperplate 20 h × 16 w in (51 × 41 cm) Signed, dated and numbered to lower edge '48/50 Chris Burden May 1974' with blindstamp. This work is number 48 from the edition of 50 published by Cirrus Editions, Los Angeles. Literature: Made in L.A.: The Prints of Cirrus Editions, Davis, ppg. 59, 198 This work will ship from LAMA in Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Nov. 17, 2022
Chris Burden (1946-2015) Relic from Diamonds Are Forever, 1981 Diamond, cubic zi
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
Chris Burden (1946-2015) Relic from Diamonds Are Forever, 1981 Diamond, cubic zirconia, black plinth, glass dome, and red velvet cushion under acrylic case 8 x 22-1/4 x 10-1/4 inches (20.3 x 56.5 x 26.0 cm) (case) Property from the Collection of Judith Vida-Spence and Stuart Spence PROVENANCE: Rosamund Felsen Gallery, Los Angeles, California; Acquired by the present owner from the above, 1987. NOTE: The original performance of Diamonds Are Forever took place at Ikon Gallery in Birmingham, England, from April 28 to May 28, 1981. Describing this performance, the artist said, "Immediately upon my arrival in England I was taken to the diamond district in London, where I used the entire materials budget allocated for my project by the Ikon Gallery to purchase a 1/4 carat diamond and an identical but valueless cubic zirconium. The 3,000 square foot basement exhibition space at the Ikon Gallery was painted black and all light leaks were sealed. I constructed a miniature spotlight from a car radio antenna in order that the suspended "diamond" would shine in the dark. Viewers were admitted to the pitch black space and could make their way toward the shining star with the aid of a handrail. For security reasons, I hung the cubic zirconium in lieu of the actual diamond, which I kept in my pocket at all times." HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
Nov. 17, 2022
Chris Burden (1946-2015) Relics from Napoleon d'Or, 1981 Gold figure on black wa
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
Chris Burden (1946-2015) Relics from Napoleon d'Or, 1981 Gold figure on black wax base 2-1/2 x 2 x 2 inches (6.4 x 5.1 x 5.1 cm) Property from the Collection of Judith Vida-Spence and Stuart Spence PROVENANCE: Rosamund Felsen Gallery, Los Angeles, California; Acquired by the present owner from the above, 1987. NOTE: The original performance of Napoleon d'Or took place at the Centre Pompidou in Paris on April 6, 1981. The artist's own description of the performance is as follows, " Napoleon d'Or, a performance I executed in Paris, consisted of casting in gold a miniature of Napoleon. The lost wax process used a plaster mold that I had prepared in England before my arrival in Paris. I chose the image of Napoleon because I feel that the French people regard the Napoleonic era as their most glorious hour. After the audience was assembled, the gold was placed on the top of the small plaster mold and heated to melting point with a welder's torch. It was then swung vigorously in a circular pattern, forcing the molten gold into the mold. After several minutes the mold was broken open and the gold Napoleon was placed on a stand for viewing by the audience." HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
Nov. 06, 2022
Chris Burden (1946-2015) Untitled (Chris--Took The Bus To Work. Can Not Do Nails...), 1974
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Chris Burden (1946-2015) Untitled (CHRIS-TOOK BUS TO WORK. CAN NOT DO NAILS. COULDN'T SLEEP.), 1974 Two-color lithograph printed in one from one aluminum plate From the edition of 50 Signed, dated, numbered on recto Image: 47 x 30.5 inches Framed: 51 x 34.5 inches
Santa Monica Auctions
Oct. 20, 2022
Chris Burden, Full Financial Disclosure—January, 1977
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
Chris Burden Full Financial Disclosure—January, 1977 1977 nine cancelled checks made out to various people for services rendered, printed labels collage mounted to mat board 30 h × 36 w in (76 × 91 cm) Signed and dated to lower edge 'January Chris Burden 1977'. Provenance: Fred Hoffman Fine Art, Santa Monica | Josh Baer Gallery, New York | Private Collection Exhibited: Chris Burden: A Twenty-Year Survey, 17 April 1988 - 9 July 1989, Newport Harbor Art Museum, Newport Beach | Double Trouble: The Patchett Collection, 27 June - 5 September 1998, Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego (traveling exhibition) Literature: Full Financial Disclosure, Jan Baum-Iris Silverman Gallery exhibition catalog, cover | Chris Burden, Hoffman, ppg. 69, 373 | Chris Burden: Extreme Measures, Phillips, ed., ppg. 25, 134, 230 | Chris Burden: A Twenty-Year Survey, Newport Harbor Art Museum exhibition catalog, ppg. 161-162, 168 | Double Trouble: The Patchett Collection, Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego exhibition catalog, ppg. 82-83 illustrates this work This work will ship from Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Sep. 08, 2022
Chris Burden, If You Fly; If You Drive
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Chris Burden If You Fly; If You Drive 1973 lithograph in colors with hand-coloring on Arches diptych 30 h × 22.25 w in (76 × 57 cm) Signed, dated and numbered to lower edge of each sheet '39/50 Chris Burden 73' with blindstamp. This work is number 39 from the edition of 50 printed by Cirrus Editions, Los Angeles and published by Newspace Gallery, Los Angeles. Sold with a digital copy of the print documentation from Cirrus Editions. Provenance: Collection of Diana Zlotnick, Los Angeles Literature: Made in LA: Prints of Cirrus Editions, Davis, pg. 197 This work will ship from LAMA in Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Aug. 23, 2022
CHRIS BURDEN: A TWENTY-YEAR SURVEY
Est: $10 - $1,000
Published n conjunction with the Exhibition Chris Burden: A Twenty-Year Study" organized by the Newport Harbor Art Museum. Copyright 1988 Newport Harbor Art Museum. ISBN: 0-917493-11-7 Dimensions: H 0.5" x W 10" x D 10" Condition: Light signs of wear including surface scratches to front cover and age toning.
Westport Auction
Jul. 21, 2022
Chris Burden (American, 1946-2015) Two World War I Tanks, 2010 Two cast steel ta
Est: $800 - $1,200
Chris Burden (American, 1946-2015) Two World War I Tanks, 2010 Two cast steel tanks in handmade wooden box 2-1/4 x 4 x 1-1/4 inches (5.7 x 10.2 x 3.2 cm) (tank, each) 4-1/2 x 9-1/2 x 7-1/2 inches (11.4 x 24.1 x 19.1 cm) (box) Edition 15/100 + 20AP Signed and numbered to box; signed to interior of each tank Created by Chris Burden to benefit the Frostig Center's social skill's program for children with learning disabilities, Asperger's and autism. Accompanied by Certificate of Authenticity from the Frostig Center. HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
Jun. 23, 2022
Chris Burden, Attila The Hun
Est: $18,000 - $25,000
Chris Burden Attila The Hun 1975 collaged pamphlets, newspaper clippings and ink annotations on illustration board 21 h × 40.125 w in (53 × 102 cm) Signed, titled and dated to lower edge 'Attila The Hun Chris Burden 1975'. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner This work will ship from LAMA in Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
May. 03, 2022
Chris Burden, If You Fly; If You Drive (diptych)
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Chris Burden If You Fly; If You Drive (diptych) 1973 lithograph in colors with hand-coloring on Arches 30 h × 22.25 w in (76 × 57 cm) Signed, dated and numbered to lower edge of each sheet '39/50 Chris Burden 73' with blindstamp. This work is number 39 from the edition of 50 printed by Ed Hamilton, Cirrus Editions, Los Angeles and published by Newspace Gallery, Los Angeles. Sold with original print documentation from Cirrus Editions. Literature: Made in LA: Prints of Cirrus Editions, Davis, pg. 189 This work will ship from LAMA in Los Angeles, California. Condition of the item is not included in this description. Condition reports are available from LAMA upon request. LAMA strongly recommends that you review a condition report for each item on which you plan to bid. Email [email protected] to request a condition report.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
May. 03, 2022
Chris Burden, Remnants From Shout Piece
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Chris Burden Remnants From Shout Piece 1971-1980 cassette tape, memorabilia overall: 16 h × 9.5 w in (41 × 24 cm) case: 17.5 h × 12.375 w × 2.25 d in (44 × 31 × 6 cm) Lot is comprised of a casette recording from Shout Piece. F Space: August 21, 1971, and a hand-written letter and an envelope addressed to Diana Zlotnick. Signed and inscribed to letter: 'Dear Diana Looking through some of my stored things in the garage I came upon this tape—which is the one you requested (I believe). Chris Burden'. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist Literature: Chris Burden: A Twenty-Year Survey, Newport Harbor Art Museum exhibition catalog, pg. 49 discusses performance This work will ship from LAMA in Los Angeles, California. Condition of the item is not included in this description. Condition reports are available from LAMA upon request. LAMA strongly recommends that you review a condition report for each item on which you plan to bid. Email [email protected] to request a condition report.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Feb. 22, 2022
Chris Burden, 747; Bed Piece; Prelude to 220, or 110 (in two parts) (four works)
Est: $50,000 - $70,000
Chris Burden 747; Bed Piece; Prelude to 220, or 110 (in two parts) (four works) 1971-1973 gelatin silver print sheet (or alternate orientation): 13.5 h × 10.5 w in (34 × 27 cm) Signed, dated and numbered to lower right of 747 '5/5 Chris Burden 73' and inscribed to verso '14.76.3 SFMMA'. Signed, dated and numbered to lower right of Bed Piece '5/5 Chris Burden 72' and inscribed to verso '14.76.4 SFMMA'. Signed, dated and numbered to lower right of Prelude to 220, or 110 (in two parts) '2/5 Chris Burden 71' and '4/5 Chris Burden 71'. Each work is from the edition of 5. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner Literature: Chris Burden: A Twenty-Year Survey, Schimmel, ppg. 50, 55, 59 Chris Burden: Beyond the Limits, Kuspit, ppg. 201, 205 condition: Works are in overall excellent to very good condition. Each with light stippled indentations in an area approximately 1" by 1," which are visible under raking light. Bed: A few light indentations to sheet visible under raking light. Two soft thumbnail creases near center. Small area of residue to center of top edge approximately .5" x .25" and a few additional spots of light residue. Prelude to 220, close up: An additional area of minor stippled indentations to the center near top edge. Light crescent shaped impression to upper left quadrant. Prelude to 220, part 2: A few minute losses to the emulsion at right edge near top and along the extreme lower edge at left. Soft crease to upper left corner, approximately .75" in length. 747: Soft corner to lower right with minor loss to emulsion. Minute indentation to upper left corner of sheet approximately 2 mm. Minor transfer residue to lower left edge. Each framed behind acrylic measuring 14 x 11 inches (or alternate orientation).
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Sep. 29, 2021
Chris Burden (1946-2015) Married
Est: £800 - £1,200
Chris Burden (1946-2015) Married Screenprint in colours, 2012, signed, dated and numbered from the edition of 150 in pencil, as included in the portfolio 'Artists For Obama', published by Gemini, G.E.L, Los Angeles, with their blindstamps, on wove paper, the full sheet printed the edges, sheet 279 x 355mm (11 x 14in) (unframed)
Forum Auctions - UK
Jul. 21, 2021
Chris Burden (1946-2015) Married
Est: £1,000 - £1,500
Chris Burden (1946-2015) Married Screenprint in colours, 2012, signed, dated and numbered from the edition of 150 in pencil, as included in the portfolio 'Artists For Obama', published by Gemini, G.E.L, Los Angeles, with their blindstamps, on wove paper, the full sheet printed the edges, sheet 279 x 355mm (11 x 14in) (unframed)
Forum Auctions - UK
Dec. 09, 2020
Chris Burden (American, 1946-2015) #2 Prototype (from When Robots Rule: The Two-Minute Airplane Factory), 1999
Est: £2,000 - £3,000
Chris Burden (American, 1946-2015) #2 Prototype (from When Robots Rule: The Two-Minute Airplane Factory), 1999 inscribed 2 (on the wing) coloured paper, balsa wood, plastic and wire 16.5 x 25 x 25 cm. 6 1/2 x 9 13/16 x 9 13/16 in. For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Jun. 20, 2020
Chris Burden, Indo China Bridge, 2002
Est: €12,000 - €15,000
Signed and numbered (scratched). Numbered 4/12.
Kunsthaus Lempertz KG
May. 14, 2020
CHRIS BURDEN | RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS (FROM SMALL GUNS SERIES)
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
CHRIS BURDEN 1946 - 2015 RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS (FROM SMALL GUNS SERIES) acrylic on metal, wood, straw, brass and printed paper on wood 12½ by 29 by 11 in. 31.8 by 73.7 by 27.9 cm. Executed in 1994.
Sotheby's