Metaphysical contagion: Conversations between Juárez and Leipzig

This study explores an online collaboration between art students from the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez and the Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig, conducted over two semesters. These students were paired, one from each respective institution, to either co-create a single artwork or develop individual pieces in dialogue with each other. At the outset, the participants were introduced to two guiding concepts: metaphysical contagion (i.e. the idea that spoken or written words can shape perception of actions and objects) and entanglement (i.e. the mutual influence between paired individuals). The findings indicate that the students engaged in meaningful artistic collaboration. However, the process also revealed challenges that offered valuable insights for improving online co-creation and digital learning. Additionally, the project highlighted how global exchange and international collaboration platforms can serve as dynamic spaces for experimentation, simulation and inspiration in the context of contemporary art education.