The Easel

Archives: The New Yorker

16th June 2015

What Else Can Art Do?

Aspiring artists finds their voices in different ways. Improbably, Mark Bradford found his voice while working in his mother’s hair dressing salon in Los Angeles. He didn’t get around to studying art until his 30’s and wasn’t hung in an exhibition until 40. The Tate now holds one of his paintings and another has sold for millions. He no longer works at the hair salon.

7th June 2015

PERFORMANCE: Chris Burden and the limits of art

Opinion remains divided about Chris Burden, who died last week. He defined art as “a free spot in society, where you can do anything” and his performances included having himself shot in the arm and, another time, being nailed to a Volkswagen. He was also a video artist and a sculptor. Some obituaries seem undecided: none are as thoughtful as the older recommended piece. Images of his work are here