Maurizio Nannucci's 'Elba West Coast' Chronicles Island's Art Capital Era

Maurizio Nannucci, the Florentine artist known for neon texts, has published 'Elba West Coast', a book documenting contemporary art events held in Marciana Alta on Elba Island from 1969 to 1986. The 500-copy edition, presented through September 10, 2024, features an auto-interview and original documents. Nannucci bought a house there in the 1960s and invited artists and curators, making the island a cultural hub. Exhibitions like 'Latitudine/Longitudine', introduced by Achille Bonito Oliva, highlighted Villa Balmain (designed by Leonardo Ricci for a Parisian tailor) and Lucio Fontana's 1956 spatial work at Hotel del Golfo di Procchio (designed by Osvaldo Borsani). Nannucci also published the magazine 'Méla' (1976-1981), named after the island's ancient Greek name, featuring contributions from Sol LeWitt, James Lee Byars, Gianfranco Baruchello, Yoko Ono, and Philip Glass. Special editions included 'Méla post card book' (48 artist postcards) and 'Audio Intellect' vinyl with sound pieces by John Baldessari, Vito Acconci, and Lawrence Weiner. No permanent installations remain on the island, but the book preserves this period.