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T y p e s  o f  F i l t e r s :

 Obviously, in the precision and accuracy of reality, there are as many different types of human filters as there different kinds of people. However, generalizations have been established, and thus it becomes possible to define specific categories of filters according to collections of generally perceived traits, behaviors, and contexts. We can imagine caveman busting his hump trying to figure out how to stay alive while working with fire, while concluding that caveman filtration involves simple, undefined, natural phenomena. The point is, although it is unlikely that cave-mind will have the capacity to sit down and contemplate some algebra or write an elaborate musical composition, it is likely that stick drawings representing fire would happen occasionally. Now, for fun, let's launch our cave-dog into modern civilization, introduce him to interesting experiences, teach him about nano-circuits, and then send him back to his prehistoric cave-world. The caveman filter, now saturated with new, unexplored information, will, at some point during his expressive experience, draw upon that moment of complexity gleaned in the modern world, perhaps by introducing a giant truck to his fire drawing.

 Considering the other extreme, we have modern-man: continually exposed to technology, information, sound bites. Modern-man has mastered abstract thought, logic, and language. Modern-man has developed and exists in a world dominated by technology and madmen. Data by the gigabyte per microsecond, endless musical experiences, television, movie, radio, video game experiences. Magazines, newspapers, books, and the 6.5 billion other living, breathing, talking humans -- and all their thoughts and ideas and muscles and business -- all contribute to the complex, convoluted social, political, and economic experience that is modern life. Modern-man, to some extent, is able to survive and even prosper in today's berserk technological cesspool. Here we see the necessary complexity of the modern filter -- a trip to the shopping mall for modern-man is a real walk in the park. And here is the crux of the issue: in its commonness, the complexity of modern civilization becomes impossible to navigate successfully without employing potent heuristics and stereotypes to simplify or reduce the amount of perceived information. Such modern filtration devices are much finer, and far more sensitive, than the typical prehistoric cave-filter. So now, let us 'zap' modern-man back to cave-land and watch the lack of perceived environmental complexity astound the modern mind: this filter will return to modern-day with a fresh and unique perspective on infinitely increasing complexity and information -- and, eventually if not immediately the prehistoric profundity will manifest through expressive action: a neuropsychotic enlightenment, shit your panties.

M o d e r n  F i l t e r  M a n a g e m e n t :

 These days, although everyone has a filter, and even dares to explore it occasionally or when otherwise required, not everyone seeks to maximize and evolve their true filtration potential. For today's ambitious, creative, or sociopathic artist, filter actualization becomes critical in genuinely exploring new ideas and possibilities, keeping up with current artistic inspirations and insights, and consuming fresh material for romancing *artistic cannibalism.

*Artistic Cannibalism, by August Klotz, originally appeared in DLa #19 as Small Talk 04 : Artistic Cannibalism.