220

For two hours each night, from 8 to 10 p.m. on September 10–12, 1971, performance artist Chris Burden was bolted to the stone floor of F Space in Santa Ana, California, for a piece titled Prelude to 220, or 110. Immobilized in a supine position by copper cuffs around his hands and feet, Burden was flanked by two buckets of water, each containing a live wire charged to 110 volts. Viewers were thus presented with a choice to participate in the performance by spilling the water. If the water spilled, Burden risked severe electrocution, and nearby visitors could also be harmed.

Director

Chris Burden

Released

January 1, 1971

Language

English