Plinio Martelli, eccentric Italian artist, dies at 71 in Turin

Plinio Martelli, an Italian artist known for his eccentric and irreverent approach, died on the night of September 24–25, 2016, in Turin at age 71. Born in Turin in 1945, he was a curious artist who explored sculpture, drawing, photography, and experimental cinema. In the late 1970s, he presciently engaged with tattoo culture, writing essays on the subject. Martelli studied science and then at Accademia Albertina. In April 1967, he participated in a major Fluxus event at Galleria "Il Punto" and Sala delle Colonne del Teatro Stabile alongside Ben Vautier, Alighiero Boetti, Ugo Nespolo, and Arrigo Lora Totino. His first solo show was in 1969 at Christian Stein's gallery, beginning a long collaboration. He also worked with gallerist Franz Paludetto, who first exhibited him at LP 220 in 1971. A highlight of his career was participation in the 1978 Venice Biennale for his experimental film work, influenced by the New American Cinema.