Time is an illusion. Time only exists when we think about the past and the future. Time doesn't exist in the present here and now.

In this quote, Marina Abramović explores the concept of time and challenges the conventional way we perceive it. She suggests that time is an illusion, a construct that only exists when we reflect on the past or anticipate the future. Abramović emphasizes that in the present moment, time doesn’t truly exist. This perspective calls attention to the idea that the continuous passage of time is something we only experience when our minds focus on what has already happened or what might happen.

The quote also speaks to the power of mindfulness and the idea that true presence can only be achieved by fully embracing the here and now. In the present, Abramović argues, there is no need to measure time or be concerned with its passage. By letting go of our fixation on past events or future outcomes, we can experience a more profound sense of living in the moment, free from the constraints of time.

Abramović’s statement invites us to reconsider our daily experience and the stress we often associate with time, deadlines, and the constant rush of modern life. It suggests that by being fully present and engaged in our current experiences, we can break free from the artificial sense of time that governs much of our lives. In this way, she aligns with spiritual and philosophical teachings that encourage living in the moment.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Abramović’s artistic philosophy, where she often explores themes of presence, endurance, and the human connection to the present moment in her performances. As a pioneering performance artist, her works frequently challenge the boundaries of time, space, and the self. This quote encapsulates her belief in the transformative power of being fully present and the idea that time, as we commonly understand it, is a subjective experience shaped by our minds.