Pino Pinelli's art style is characterized by a radical deconstruction of traditional painting, exploring the very essence of the medium. A prominent figure in the Analytical Painting movement, Pinelli's work focuses on the fundamental components of painting—color, form, and material—challenging their conventional boundaries. His innovative approach involves breaking down the canvas into multiple fragments, often monochromatic, that interact dynamically with the wall space. This method transforms the wall into an integral part of the artwork, creating a dialogue between the piece and its environment.
In his early works, Pinelli experimented with monochromatic paintings that emphasized texture and materiality. His "Pittura" series, which began in the 1970s, used titles that referenced their color, such as "R" for red. This period marked a significant shift in his practice, where he moved away from traditional canvases to create works that are often described as "disseminations." These pieces are composed of fragmented elements that are meticulously arranged to form geometric patterns or trails, effectively dissolving the boundaries of the canvas. By employing materials like flannel, Pinelli added a tactile dimension to his work, enhancing the viewer's sensory experience and further blurring the lines between painting and sculpture.
Pinelli's art is deeply influenced by his engagement with the Zero group and the broader context of post-war European art. His work embodies a minimalist aesthetic, focusing on the interplay of light, shadow, and form. By removing the conventional canvas and instead using fragmented, modular pieces, Pinelli's art challenges viewers to reconsider the spatial and material limits of painting.