Perfect Circle

2014 Single channel looping HD colour projection, 4’04”, meteorological balloon, rope, iris

– the shape of the globe is problematic. Constantly in motion, this Earth has no borders, no up no down, no beginning and no end, and one side is always hidden from view. . . 

– Judith Schalansky, Atlas of Remote Islands

During a sailing expedition in the Arctic, Martelli challenged the boat’s captain to complete a full 360º turn in the sea, saying that the legend of a true artist is to be able draw a perfect circle freehand without a compass ( Giotto ). The captain drew his circle and said it was a first for him on the GPS. Martelli filmed the event and after a lucky escape from a wave that damaged his camera, the footage was salvaged for the film.