In the era of digital media an image is no longer simply an image. Or rather, an image is never just itself. As demonstrated by Peter Luining in formulas an image can be manipulated indefinitely through so-called filters in the Photoshop programme. These filters are small extra programmes inside Photoshop that can be used to manipulate images, in this case, Google’s home page, which is probably the most visited site on the web. Usually the filters produce an effect of aesthetic refinement or finish but in Luining’s case – programming his own filter – the manipulation is destined to proceed until it reaches the entropic state of the completely black screen. For which aesthetic, cultural or political reasons has a filter like this not been integrated into the standard Photoshop package alongside “Fresco,” “Glowing Edges,” and “ZigZag”? Just imagine the possibilities it would offer professional designers as well the common Photoshop user!

Image: Peter Luining / Courtesy Galerie West