Inside the Artist's Studio: Chris Burden

Paddle8 has just launched their newest editorial project, which involves originally produced video. Their first Paddle8TV episode features Chris Burden, one of LA’s most well-known and respected artists. Watch as he discusses his landmark projects Urban Lights (which is one of the most popular art installations at LACMA and in the city) and Metropolis II (currently on view at LACMA as well). Among other topics, he discusses why he chose Topanga Canyon and his transition from performance artist to object-based/installation artist.

via: Arrested Motion

Metropolis II Opens This Weekend at LACMA

I've posted about Chris Burden's magnificent kinetic sculpture called Metropolis II HERE. For those of you that live in SoCal, the good news is that it's opening at LACMA this weekend. More info and schedule HERE.



Here are a few stats on the piece:
o The cars are attached by a small magnet to the conveyor belt that brings them to the crest.
o The only motorization of the cars is the conveyor belt to the top.
o Once the cars cross over the crest and head downward, their entire movement is by gravity.
o They travel at a scale speed of 240 mph, plus or minus.
o The tracks they take are Teflon coated to reduce friction.
o The tracks are beveled at 7 degrees to give added torque for speed when
they come through corners and curves.
o The trains are out of the box electric train sets that run on electricity.

Metropolis II by Chris Burden Revisted...!!!

Check out a new video for Chris Burden's amazing Metropolis II.

Compare with this earlier footage shot in 2009