In Memory of Tarek Al-Ghoussein
My Mentor, Friend, and Brother
By Lamya Gargash
Tarek Al-Ghoussein, Al Sawaber 3685 (2015-2017), Digital print, 100 x 150 cm. Courtesy of The Third Line, Dubai
"No teddy bears, no sunsets, no cute fuzzy things" was the opener to my first Photography Basics class with Tarek Al Ghoussein. I was never genuinely interested in photography; growing up, we had a Nikon d50 that mainly my sister used. My parents said she took better pictures, so photography was never something I had considered. In my first year as a freshman, I was terrified of having to take a class with Tarek. "He's tough," students would say, “you are lucky if you get a B!” “Great… excellent,” I would mumble. It wasn't enough that I had zero interest in photography but I had to learn it from a strict instructor. I tried to wiggle my way out of taking the class. I had my eyes set on becoming an illustrator, but it was a prerequisite, and I could not move on to my second year without having it under my belt.
Little did I know how life-changing that first class would be. Tarek would say it was quality over quantity; one strong image in a roll of 35mm film is all you need. I always thought photography was a button’s click away: some beautiful sunsets or beautiful pots lined by intricate shadows. How hard could it possibly be? How wrong I was.
Tarek Al-Ghoussein, Al Sawaber 7543 (2015-2017), Digital print, 100 x 150 cm. Courtesy of The Third Line, Dubai.
I fell in love with photography. Looking through the viewfinder and creating your version of reality; the world seems so much more magical through the lens. I owe it to Tarek for pushing me to be my authentic self. He believed in me more than I believed in myself. He taught me the value of truth and honesty in one’s work. “What are you trying to say, Lamya?” This question took me years to answer but has impacted my entire career. Photography has made me feel like I am already home.
Over time, our mentor-student relationship evolved into one of friendship and camaraderie. I always felt safe in the art world, knowing that he was there to look out for me. I still have his number saved in my phone and I have yet to accept his departure from this world. I still believe he is going to call to give me an earful about a project or to let me know that he is putting my name forward for some artistic project. We were similar, he and I. We preferred to be alone, choosing to keep away from the spotlight and the chitter-chatter of the art world.
To say that I owe my career to him is an understatement. I would have had no career without his unwavering support. Tarek, thank you for your friendship and guidance. I hope to make you proud.