Documentation of Selected Works, 1971-1974

This compilation consists of 11 works (shot on Super-8, 16mm film, and half-inch video) by American performance artist Chris Burden, whom throughout the film is explaining what we see as well as sharing thoughts on some of the more general issues regarding representation of performance. Included are Shoot (1971), in which Burden allows himself to be shot in the arm; Bed Piece (1972), in which he stayed in bed in an art gallery for twenty-two days; and Through the Night Softly (1973), in which Burden is seen dragging himself over shards of broken glass. Also included are: 220 (1971), Deadman (1972), Fire Roll (1973), Icarus (1973), B.C. Mexico (1973), TV Ad (1973), Back to You (1974), and Velvet Water (1974). This compilation is an historical document of one of the most extreme manifestations of 1970s conceptual performance art.