Yara Abu Aataya: Exploring the idea of time's fluidity
© Photography by Karolína Matušková, Shotby.Us
In the bustling world of design, Yara stands out as an artist who captivated audiences at Designblok 2023 with her unconventional
~1 hour collection of interior accessories. Central to the collection is a unique hourglass, symbolizing the fluidity of time and the convergence of Yara's Arab roots with her everyday Czech reality.
In our ~1 hour interview along the online route from Leuven to Prague, we dived into Yara's work, her inspirations, as well as her soft spot for to-do lists and dream interpretation.
© Photography by Shotby.Us
Who is Yara if she is not defined by her personal and professional roles?
She does a happy dance every time she eats yummy food; a chocolate addict; cycling enthusiast; a dreamy, positive mind with a weakness for long walks and brutalist architecture. Always a justice fighter.
We touch on her activism throughout the whole interview. The artist was born in Gaza, and since the beginning of the Israel-Palestine situation, she has been focusing her energy there. It's part of who she is: Yara lives now in the Czech Republic but part of her family still lives in Gaza.
”The situation is deeply personal for me. I just returned from Brussels, where I felt a glimmer of hope for the first time. People were calling for a ceasefire, and the word 'Palestine' wasn't controversial. It was surreal and inspiring, reinforcing my commitment to the cause.”
During our interview, Yara takes her time in the conversation, and even though she has plans after, she doesn't rush. After our call, she heads to Palestinian Holiday in Kampus Hybernská, a cultural event supporting Palestinian culture and the proceeds of which will go to Doctors Without Borders in Gaza. As she says, always a justice fighter.
Can you share with us the inspiration behind your hourglass collection? And what came first to you, the hourglass object or the concept?
It all started with a theme of time and self-care during the unique circumstances of the pandemic. The concept evolved, and I wanted to explore the idea of time's fluidity. Then I also knew that I wanted to work with another material, glass. The hourglass became a symbol of that, emphasizing the importance of dedicating time to ourselves.
And it doesn't necessarily have to be one hour. The tilde ~ represents approximation. The thought behind it is to be kind to ourselves and embrace the flexibility time offers. My hourglass is a reflection of this philosophy — its rotation can take 60 minutes, but also 24 or 45 minutes, depending on the preferences of its future owner.
© Photography by Karolína Matušková, Shotby.Us
“The tilde ~ represents approximation. The thought behind it is to be kind to ourselves and embrace the flexibility time offers.”
How do you personally spend your dedicated time?
It varies. In the mornings, especially in the summer, I'm usually full of energy, hitting the gym, planning my day. During winter, I am enjoying quiet cuddle moments with my cat, having a long breakfast and reading something. And again, planning my day, of course. I do it either the night before or in the morning. I just love to do lists!
Me too! Do you also have the feeling that you have life under control?
Indeed, although it's a fake feeling! I don't want to take away your hope. Part of the philosophy is to be kind to yourself and tell yourself, okay, you didn't do it today, maybe you'll do it tomorrow. There are also things that I've been putting off from day to day for a year and haven't done them yet. For example, repotting flowers — I have to choose an aesthetic flowerpot, and I don't see such choices on our market.
So maybe another design idea?
I've already thought about it several times. But the limited edition flower pots are expensive and people don't want to invest so much in them. And as for the next project, I don't know if I want to share it already. But why not. They are upcycled cat houses. The idea arose during the pandemic with the idea that cats like to appropriate human things. It would be in collaboration with two other designers, whose names I will not reveal yet.
© Photography by Alex Shoots Buildings
© Photography by Shotby.Us
Talking about plans, are you preparing for the next Designblok?
For 2023, the preparation was a year-long journey. As for the next edition, I still need to think of it. Perhaps not every year, maybe every other year. Time will tell.
How did you experience this year's festival?
Designblok was a major highlight for me. The theme of the festival was a journey, and I approached the theme as a path to self-presentation. At the same time, I wanted to close the UMPRUM chapter for a long time and present my comprehensive collection.
Frankly, it's challenging to present oneself anywhere else in the Czech Republic as effectively. I believe it could take on a different format, perhaps with showrooms opening up, allowing presentations beyond the traditional stands. Personally, this would be more appealing and less financially demanding.
While I would love to share my success post-Designblok, the festival coincided with the onset of the situation in Palestine. It has been challenging for me to communicate achievements amid such a situation, feeling it would be disrespectful.
Nevertheless, keeping one's chin up is essential, especially because if we are not healthy and well, who will take care of covering disinformation and activism? It's just that the ongoing struggle has been draining, and I'm finding it challenging to sustain the energy for it.
In connection with your hourglass and the fluidity of time that it represents, where would you like to travel in time if you could?
Ancient Egypt and Palestine hold a fascination for me in the past. As for the future, I would be curious about the afterlife. I'm drawn to alchemy and the essence of life. However, dwelling on 'what if' doesn't make sense.
“I appreciate the contextuality of things; their meaning varies for each person and depends on the circumstances.”
© Photography by Shotby.Us
You're quite intrigued by mysteries, aren't you?
Absolutely! Witches, supernatural powers, dream interpretation — I find them fascinating.
Discussing dreams with my mom since childhood has been incredible. Dreams evoke a unique emotion, filled with mystery and depth. It's a mix of an analytical exploration than energy work. I appreciate the contextuality of things; their meaning varies for each person and depends on the circumstances. For instance, the concept of death — how one feels about it, whether it's a literal departure or a symbolic farewell.
My vivid dreams have often guided me in life. Here's a glimpse: the night before applying to UMPRUM, I wanted to dream of a number associated with the architecture ateliers. Although I didn't see the number in the morning, my mom did — number one, the atelier where I eventually ended up.
“Sometimes I take a step back, but then I jump forward. Oh and making mistakes has taught me a ton. I just learn and keep going.”
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
An archaeologist. I loved learning about pharaohs and Cleopatra. Both my grandmas are from Egypt, and until today, I hope I might have roots from the time of the pharaohs. That is more of a dream. But archaeology involves a lot of research, which I'm not great at. I like seeing results quickly, I am not patient. It serves my multidisciplinary though. Sometimes I take a step back, but then I jump forward. Oh and making mistakes has taught me a ton. I just learn and keep going.
What objects do you like to surround yourself with?
I gravitate towards authentic materials, avoiding plastic or chipboard. Metal furniture is my sweet spot — neither too bulky nor flimsy, with lasting durability and unique value. I'm deliberate in my purchases, often waiting and contemplating. My apartment, a result of eight months of patient waiting, reflects my commitment to a rich housing culture — parquet floors, wooden windows, and even a specific request for top fan windows due to my cat.
I am a lighting designer too and I adore specific lamps — she exclaims while directing the camera towards the ceiling. This one's an industrial station lamp, snagged at a techno event. I have a few in the basement, occasionally upcycling them for events. She then unveils another lamp by Zumtobel and continues. I fell in love with this brand; their lights, halogen-based, cast an upward glow, creating a pleasant and healthy environment — complete sci-fi.
“Success, to me, also entails maintaining hope. I strive to retain the spirit of a naive dreamer — something that runs in the family.”
© Photography by Shotby.Us
“I'm inspired by good-hearted people, who do kind things simply because they can.”
What does success mean to you?
Being an inspiration to others while preserving one's authenticity amidst success. It's a common pitfall, especially for those, like me, who started from scratch. Additionally, my personal rule is to allocate a portion of my earnings to non-profits.
Success, to me, also entails maintaining hope. I strive to retain the spirit of a naive dreamer — something that runs in the family.
What or who inspires you?
I'm inspired by good-hearted people, who do kind things simply because they can. Their positive energy not only fuels them, but also comes back around. I find inspiration in specific buildings, the way things come together, and the balance and harmony found in architecture, especially in the bold style of brutalism, which I love. Food is a big source of joy for me.
Plus, I draw inspiration from experiences and adventures. And, of course, my mom.
© Photography by Karolína Matušková, Shotby.Us
Just shortly before publishing this interview, Yara was honored by The Referendum newspaper, which announced the Czech personalities of 2023: “Her willingness to speak tirelessly in public and the Palestinian perspective on the situation is actually heroism in today's Czech society, which should be applauded.”
Always a justice fighter.