Chris Burden’s Beam Drop is part performance part action painting. This abstract sculpture explores the concepts of coincidence and gravity as I-beams (the basic construction material for all skyscrapers) are dropped into wet concrete, creating a new monument to industrialized society. The sculpture was constructed before a live audience on May 30th, 2009, in Antwerp, Belgium.
Chris Burden is one of Los Angeles’ most celebrated and revered artists who began his career using his body in controversial performances. In honor of our newest editorial project Paddle8TV, Paddle8 has released an originally produced video about Burden’s relationship with the city of Los Angeles as a source of inspiration over the decades and his transition from making performances to sculpture.
Paddle8TV is a dedicated video channel that will premiere original and rare content contributed by galleries, foundations, institutions, artists and the greater Paddle8 community!