CHRIS BURDEN: METROPOLIS II A BUZZING IMAGE OF A FUTURE

By KAYLA TASCHEN

Chris Burden’s Metropolis II is a large intricate installation, largely based on how the American artist wishes cars will serve us within the next few decades to come. This modern time kinetic sculpture (featured left), is comprised of mostly legos and blocks, toy train tracks and plastic roadways and of course, its ultra speedy inhabitants, the multitudinous (thousands) toy cars that symbolize life in the future.  These miniature cars can reach about 230 miles per hour, giving the piece both a comforting and yet an unsteadying sensation. 

Literally buzzing with energy, the dynamic art piece took the artist four years to complete.  It is currently on view at the Los Angeles Country Museum of Art (LACMA) and will be on going.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1946, with an MFA from the University of California, Irvine.  Chris Burden focuses on performance art (exhibited mostly early in his career back in the 70s), sculpture, and installation art.

Have a watch at the short film above to see the Metropolis II in motion, plust an interview with Chris Burden.  Plus, for some stills of the mobile sculpture, see images featured below.  To learn more about the exhibition visit LACMA: HERE.

Chris Burden: Metropolis II at LACMA Image by Taiyo Watanabe

Chris Burden: Metropolis II at LACMA Image by Taiyo Watanabe

Chris Burden: Metropolis II at LACMA Image by Taiyo Watanabe

Chris Burden: Metropolis II at LACMA Image by Taiyo Watanabe

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