In this text, Gilbertto Prado discusses the impact that internet-based interactive devices have had on artistic creation, dwelling in particular on action art projects on the web that enable and seek the direct engagement of interested individuals. In production of this sort, the artist becomes a sort of poet of connectivity and each participant a coproducer; the result of this interaction has the potential to generate situations and actions. Telematic networks make possible ceaseless dialogue between perspectives and elements, between each node-participant in the web. This yields a series of transformations in the physiognomy of the result, that is namely, a relentless production of meanings. The function of the artist-coordinator is to put forth an invitation to dream together, to locate works that he generally in no way chooses. In Prado’s view, at stake is a multiple artistic intervention that can always be restarted, because it is lacking in a rigid or set essence, is open to conflicting experiences, sometimes of an indeterminate nature. Creation in this way becomes a palpable part of an innovative device, a task of another nature, whether in its own production and development or in the perception of the Other.

Gilbertto Prado (b. 1954) is a multimedia artist and curator who advocates the use of electronic art, which he employs in his own production as an artist and as a theorist. His art is discussed by Czech theorist Frank Popper in the book, Art of the Electronic Age (Thames and Hudson, 1997). Prado was a member of the Art-Réseaux group in Paris. Since 1981, he has participated in shows and projects in Brazil and abroad, among them: Doppo il Turismo Vienne iI Colonialismo (Centro Lavoro Arte, Milan, 1989), Moone, Atelier des Réseaux-machines à communiquer (La Villette, Paris, 1992), Mutations de l’image (Vidéothèque of Paris, 1994), Arte e Tecnologia (MAC/USP, São Paulo, 1995), Mediações (Itaú Cultural, São Paulo, 1997), 2ª Bienal de Artes Visuais do Mercosul (Porto Alegre, 1999), Link Age/Mecad (Barcelona, 2000), and Interconnect@ between Attention and Immersion (ZKM, Karlsruhe, Germany, 2006).

This document attests to great interest in issues related to telematic networks as well as the decentralization and viability of new exchanges. A complementary perspective can be found in “Mundos virtuais e vidas artificiais” by Suzete Venturelli [ICAA digital archive 1111136)]. Other related texts include Prado’s summary of telematic networks entitled “Cronologia de experiências artísticas nas redes de telecomunicações” (1111289) and his “Utilizações artísticas de imagens em direto na world wide web” (1111125). In 2003, Prado published the book Arte telemática.