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Certainty is Absurd

Certainty is Absurd

"Doubt is unpleasant, but certainty is absurd." - Voltaire

Italy had the Renaissance, Germany had the Reformation, and France had Voltaire. Ever the proponent of rationalism and tolerance, Voltaire had an extraordinary rhetorical gift, and this quotation from a letter to Prince Frederick in 1770 is no exception.  

Being human, most of us have a tendency to believe that we have all the answers, and that our particular view of reality is complete and correct. But a little bit of knowledge can be a dangerous thing, especially when it hinders  curiosity and openness to new ideas. 

In our illustration we went full on film noir, and a detective shines his flashlight on his little corner of the universe.

"Aha!” he exclaims. Meanwhile, just outside of the beam of light a bigger, unanswered question takes shape. 

So maybe keep exploring, Philip Marlowe. You never know what new, amazing discovery is hiding in the shadows. 

Speaking of shadows, do you see the question mark? 

SPECIAL OFFER
Any 3 prints for $48 (regularly $72)
Code: 3PRINTS
See all prints here 

• 11x14 inch art print with white border 
• Premium, fine art paper made in New York 
• Elegant eggshell finish
• Ships in a a rigid, flat mailer. No need to unroll! 
• Fits into standard 11x14 frames (or a 16x20 frame matted to 11x14) 

Custom sizes available HERE



$ 24.00

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About Us

Obvious State is a creative studio and independent press founded by Nichole and Evan Robertson in 2011. We make bold, conceptual art that makes you think again.

In the age of clickbait, infotainment, and overstimulation, slow thought has become a luxury. Our work exists to change that. Every piece is handcrafted by Evan — art and language that provoke thought, inspire curiosity, and make the ideas that have always mattered feel urgent again.

Our books and prints are available in our shop and in bookstores and boutiques nationwide.

Our work has been featured at The Folger Shakespeare Library, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The American Writers Museum, The Emily Dickinson Museum, The Library of Congress, The Getty Museum, The Museum of Contemporary Art and more.