What is the main theme of Salvador Dali's The Persistence of Memory painting? time death clocks ants

In "The Persistence of Memory," Dali explores the fluidity of time and how our perceptions of it can be distorted. The melting clocks symbolize the idea that time is not a rigid construct, rather, it can unravel and bend, often reflecting our subconscious experiences and memories. This surreal representation invites viewers to consider how memories remain, even as time continues to change everything around them. Moreover, the ants crawling over the pocket watch highlight themes of decay, reinforcing the notion of impermanence. In Dali's world, even objects that symbolize order and precision, like clocks, are subject to the chaotic nature of existence. The painting acts as a paradox, where time is both an enemy and a part of everyday life, leading us to contemplate our own relationship with it.