“A Himalayan cat. Floating goldfish. Monstera topped with blue butterflies? You can say I approached time in a more conceptual manner. "Max,” the Himalayan cat, is three years old, and an adult cat. I watched him grow up before my eyes. It occurred to me how cat years are indeed different. They are the same three years we all experience, yet he surpassed many phases in his life with, unfortunately, not much time left. The goldfish has an average life span of 2-3 years and is always rumored to have a memory span of three seconds. While that information may or may not be true, it sets a perfect example of how time can be an illusion. Years and years of living but only a few seconds worth remembering. The blue butterfly symbolized the famous butterfly effect: how the smallest of changes can lead to drastic movements and life changing destinies. Looking closely at the nature of a butterfly, it wasn't always in this physical appearance. Born as an unpleasant caterpillar that slowly through time and patience emerges as a beautiful insect with the ability to fly and attract others through its beauty. Nature around us teaches us time through appreciating change and growth like Max. Creating memories that make life worth living like the goldfish. To not underestimate the transformation time can lead us to like the butterfly. While this looks like a normal piece of art, time is there. Time is hidden. Time is ticking, and we are running out of it.” — Reema Abu Alsaud
Reema Abu Alsaud is an artist and architecture based in Jeddah. She is also part of Maktoob’s design time. Follow her on Instagram for more of her work.
