Reading Blog

The article talks about the evolution of net.art from its early years in the mid-1990s to its more institutionalized presence by the late 1990s. Originally, the Internet was seen as a platform for creativity, with Eastern European artists and new-media enthusiasts playing a significant role. The Internet allowed artists to experiment with new forms of expression, who used the web’s structure and limitations as artistic materials. These early works were driven by a sense of political and social engagement that pushed against mainstream norms.

By the late 1990s, net.art began to gain recognition in the art world, with projects like Heritage Gold and Netomat addressing complex social issues such as race, identity, and media manipulation. The success of net.art led to its inclusion in institutions, but the success also raised questions about its growing commercialization. Despite the concerns, net.art remained a site for political and hacktivist art, with artists continuing to challenge the corporate-controlled digital space.

I find the trajectory of net.art both fascinating and concerning. Its early years as a experimental space were groundbreaking, but its rise to institutional recognition shows the tension between creativity and commercialization. As the Internet continues to evolve, I think net.art’s potential to inspire political and cultural change lies in its ability to remain subversive, using the tools of the digital world to critique and transform it.