Reading Blog #3

The emergence and growth of net art, a type of art made exclusively for the internet, are covered in-depth and insightfully in the essay "Web Work: A History of Internet Art". According to the author, the term "net art" was originally used in the middle of the 1990s to refer to a variety of artworks made specifically for the web, which frequently made use of the medium's special features to produce interactive and collaborative pieces that questioned conventional ideas of art. Through the works of numerous artists, including those of Alexei Shulgin, Jodi.org, and Vuk Cosic, among others, the piece charts the development of net art. These artists created works on the internet, frequently using experimentation, playfulness, and interactive elements. For instance, Alexei Shulgin's "386 DX" was a web-based installation with a virtual computer and a constrained set of instructions for modifying the machine's interface. The "Untitled Game" by Jodi.org was a straightforward, interactive game that tested players' ability to go through a maze-like environment while avoiding hazards. The essay also addresses how the internet has changed the way that art is created, emphasizing how it has made it easier for artists to cooperate with one another across geographical borders, reach new audiences, and produce previously unimaginable types of art. With many artists using the internet to investigate topics like identity, community, and politics, net art has also created new opportunities for artistic expression and experimentation. Additionally, the article highlights the difficulties that net art encounters, such as the ephemeral nature and unpredictability of web technologies, which can make it challenging to preserve and display net art pieces. The author does point out that initiatives have been made to solve these issues, such as the development of digital archives and online exhibits. Overall, the study provides an interesting look into the development of net art, underlining its importance and impact on modern art. It serves as a reminder that the internet is not only a tool for communication and business, but also a platform for creative expression. The article's conclusion states that as the internet develops, so will the opportunities for net art

and that we should anticipate the emergence of innovative new pieces in the future.