Net art from Latin America: between fascination, critique and its disappearance

This work examines the origins and development of net art in Latin America from the late 20th century to the early 21st century, a field that has been systematically marginalized in dominant historiographic narratives. Through this research, the aim is to reconstruct, highlight, and characterize Latin American artistic practices that, by incorporating emerging digital technologies and operating on the margins or in tension with traditional cultural institutions, challenged the dominant art canon and explored the possibilities of new technologies with both enthusiasm and critique. The study is founded on a review of key events, works, and testimonies from prominent figures in the Latin American digital scene, viewing net art as a dynamic and ephemeral art form that confronts significant challenges regarding its conservation and archiving in the region. By bringing these practices to light, the work aims not only to preserve the memory of artistic expressions overlooked by official narratives but also to reflect on their impact on the historiography and preservation of digital arts, within a context characterized by a lack of specific conservation policies and resources.