This paper investigates the reception of performance art photography featuring self-harm, specifically the work of Chris Burden (1946-2015) in the early 1970s and its reception 50 years later. Through a review of publications written by art critics in both decades, the study aims to understand how audiences have interacted with and interpreted Burden's images over time. The research found that the reception of performance art photography is influenced by a range of factors, including the viewer's personal background and experiences, the context in which the image is encountered, and the artist's intention. This highlights the importance of considering the complex relationship between the image, the audience, and the context in order to fully understand and appreciate the reception of performance art photography, particularly in the case of controversial or challenging subject matters.