Obituaries - Jan. 25, 1995

* Giulio Turcato; Leader of Italy’s Avant-Garde Art Community

Giulio Turcato, 82, a painter and sculptor who was a leading member of Italy’s avant-garde art community. After World War II, Turcato was one of several artists who signed a manifesto proclaiming themselves “formalists and Marxists,” clashing with Italian Communist Party officials who contended that art should be realistic. Turcato grew increasingly free in experimenting with form and technique, even painting on foam rubber. On Sunday in Rome of respiratory failure.