Chris Burden's "Big Wheel"

From the NY Times:

"Several of his larger works present a characteristic blend of purity, violence and monumentality now aimed at demonstrating simple principles of motion or mass in breathtakingly sculptural ways. In 'The Big Wheel,' Burden uses a motorcycle's rear wheel to set a three-ton iron flywheel, the survivor of a 19th-century factory, into a fast and furious spin that lasts about three hours. The contrast is wonderful: this old, simple Goliath of a wheel, man's first 'machine,' powered by a modern David -- small, complex and delicate.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• art
• chrisburden

[leigh8959]

@goonsackmask It wasn't really criticism. ;) In fact whole books have been written about art and danger. I've benefited from this phenomenon myself.

[goonsackmask]

@leigh8959 i don't think Chris Burden cares at all.

[richjard]

Chris Burden first introduced this art piece in 1979. The three ton wheel spins for 3 hours after it is released.

[mickmos]

that sucked

[leigh8959]

This is very dangerous. First of all, wheels can rip themselves apart if spun fast enough. Since this is an old wheel, it is probably cast iron... which is prone to cracking when put in tension. Secondly, if a bearing were to fail, it would melt and it's very possible that the wheel could come off completely. If we assume 25HP output for roughly 120 seconds, there is probably around 500 watt-hours of energy stored in that wheel. "Fear is never boring" -Hackett

[rickbowker]

THIS is dreaming about the isle of man TT!

Push it to the limit one more time !!!!!

[blackjack87NZ]

???!!! cool, iWant

[kimofilms]

I think I read that it keeps going for about two hours.

[cartwheelmon]

Wonder how long the big wheel keeps on turnin?

If you listen close it sounded like it needed a lube job.

I think it is way cool. Keep in mind it is art. Does it need an objective?

[MrTungau]

what is the objectives? can someone explain