Chris Burden’s early work in the 1970s – being locked up, shot, electrocuted, and crucified – pushed the boundaries of art and elicited strong debate. Nonetheless, his mesmerising and at times stomach- churning work earned him an immediate place in art history, before he became disillusioned with the expectations and misconceptions of his practice and ceased performance art altogether. Later, reinventing himself by creating equally revered albeit less controversial works, Burden solidified a career that has influenced a generation of artists including the superstar performance artist Marina Abramovic. A considerable archive is available for the first time, allowing the audience into the psyche of this fearless art pioneer.