Born in Buenos Aires in 1919, Rubén Santantonín emerged as a significant figure in the Argentine art scene during the mid-20th century. He became closely associated with the experimental environment of the Torcuato di Tella Institute, a hub for the country's burgeoning Pop and conceptual art movements during the 1960s.

His practice was defined by the use of unconventional materials, often creating abstract, tactile structures that defied categorization. By manipulating textures and forms, he sought to alter the viewer's perception of physical objects, moving away from traditional representation toward a more conceptual and abstract idealism.

Santantonín's influence persists in the study of Latin American conceptualism, with his work frequently cited in historical surveys of the period. His legacy remains tied to his ability to bridge the gap between material experimentation and the intellectual rigor of the conceptual art movement.