What Do We Truly Know in an Age of 'Abundant Knowledge'?
Internet

What Do We Truly Know in an Age of 'Abundant Knowledge'?

We live in an era of information overload. The entirety of human knowledge exists at the edge of our fingertips, easily accessed on our vaguest of whims. And yet, many would argue we still have yet to unlock a fraction of its potential.

"In this age of Abundant Knowledge, I feel technology isn't being used in the best way," explains artist Samuel J. Roberts. His latest work, Abundant Knowledge, is an abstract meditation on this concept, positing a world where the organic and synthetic degrade into an uncanny singularity. "Like a test of free will, much of it is geared towards narcissism and avaricious pleasures."

Robert adds, "I think that people in the future will look back on our time and agree that it was the beginning of a cross over period from IRL to URL. The more we overdose on technology the more we lose the true essence of what it means to be human."

"The more we overdose on technology the more we lose the true essence of what it means to be human."

Abundant Knowledge doesn't necessarily offer solutions, so much as dramatize our current reality's disconnect. Iridescent organza wrapped around a human body moving through a serene field feels more like a CGI blob rendered against some stock footage than real life.

This warping of the ordinary into the uncanny makes Abundant Knowledge so enigmatic and enticing. You aren't sure how to put together the information that is being thrown at you, but you press on nonetheless.

Watch, below, and follow Samuel J. Roberts on Instagram (@samuelj.roberts).

Creative Direction: Samuel J. Roberts
Director of Photography: Mike Jennings
Stylist/Art: Lami Samoye
Video Edit: Samuel J. Roberts
Photography: Samuel J. Roberts & Roberts LeBlanc
Photo Edit: Robert LeBlanc
Hair/MUA: Zoie Roman
Lighting: Brad Virshup
Model: Heon Han
Clothing: Acne Spring 2019