DE51GN

Tarek Al-Ghoussein is one of the few artists who create works of art not because they need to exhibit them in galleries and museums but because they simply must. While the prestige of showing works of art in art spaces is important, an artist’s job is to create first, believes Al-Ghoussein whose works have been exhibited around the world.

The photographer’s latest work the D-Series is currently being shown at The Third Line Gallery, which explores space as a manifestation of an individual’s identity and is a continuation of his previous works titled the A, B and C-Series. “The series beginning with A, deal with identity in a larger sense. Even though they’re very different from each other they’re still linked to the mother ship. D-Series in particular, is about how we construct spaces, how it affects us and how we influence the spaces around us,” explains Al-Ghoussein. “It’s a series of mild interventions and a mixture of constructed, found and re-created spaces.”

Al Ghoussein’s images are self-portraits that see him traversing the various manifestations of identity. “In one of the previous works I tried to portray the walls in Palestine not just as a physical barrier but also as a psychological barrier,” says Kuwaiti-born Al-Ghoussein who’s originally from Palestine. “I can’t go to Palestine, so I suppose this is my way of dealing with the frustrations. I didn’t set out to make political art, it’s a spontaneous expression. As much as I don’t like a political agenda to be associated with art, sometimes, i’s just hard to separate the two,” says Al-Ghoussein expressing his anguish at the on-going turmoil in Palestine.

Does the Western stereotyped perception of the Middle East affect his psyche as an artist? “Not directly but probably in a more sub-conscious way. That’s why I enjoy working here because I can work in isolation and there’s no pressure,” says Sharjah-based Al Ghoussein who’s also a teaching faculty at the American University of Sharjah.

However having lived and exhibited his works in the US and Europe for many years, does Al-Ghoussein miss being at the epicenter of the art world? “I still show my works in the West, so in that sense I don’t miss being there. In fact I have been more prolific here than I ever was before and that’s the most critical thing for me– to be able to create,” he says.

What does he think of the art scene in Dubai? “Although there’s still a lot to be done, creativity has always existed here. Over-glorfying the art scene here just because there’s a spotlight on the country would be a great disservice to the artists who have contributed immensely to the local arts and culture such as Hassan Sharif,” says Al Ghoussein, citing the example of Sharif, one of UAE’s most renowned artists and the brother of The Flying House gallery founder Abdul Rahim Sharif.

Al-Ghoussein also emphasises that for a more well-rounded cultural development, it’s important to encourage educational programmes as much as building museums and galleries. “I have some very talented students who have gone on to do post-graduate work in Europe. Ironically, it’s only after an artist has got the seal of approval in the West that the East looks at them more favourably. It’s frustrating and is often a vicious cycle, as all of us are guilt of seeking that recognition from the West. But as I’m growing older, I’m trying to move away from this biased acceptance,” he says.

Who would Al-Ghoussein count among his favourite artists? “There are many but to name a few, Mona Hatoum, Emily Jacir and I also admire writers and composers such as William Blake. I love reading poetry and literature and listening to classsical Western music.”

And how does he unwind when not teaching? “I listen to music and walk around to take pictures, which is very therapeutic.”

How would he describe Dubai? “Ever-changing! I live in Sharjah and often find it difficult to navigate my around Dubai. I prefer the quieter places such as Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah,” he says.

What are the most fascinating and frustrating things about living in UAE? “I find the lights here very inspiring and I love the weather. I don’t like cold, grey weather. But I do find the excessive air-conditioning here very unhealthy. This is the only place in the world where I wear a jacket when I’m indoors!”

The D-Series exhibition runs at The Third Line gallery until March 5, 2009. Call +9714- 341 1367 for more details.