Lamya Gargash: When the Lens Captures the Echo of the Soul

Oct 9, 2025

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In the dimness of light, where the past intertwines with longing, Lamya Gargash stands behind her lens as a poet holds a word, seeking not the image itself, but the subtle trace left behind by human presence once it fades.
Each of her works is a window into a restless memory, into spaces that hold faces long gone yet still alive with untold stories.

Lamya Gargash is not merely a photographer, she is a witness to the human condition in its most fragile and truthful forms.
In her work, the boundaries between documentation and reflection, between reality and dream, gently dissolve. She redefines presence, not through what the eye perceives, but through what the heart quietly understands.

In her images, abandoned rooms are not forgotten spaces, they become stages of memory, retelling what people once left behind. The aged walls turn into pages preserving untold stories, waiting for an eye to see them, and a heart to feel them.

In her conversation with 3oud, the Emirati artist takes us on a journey through her inner worlds, where memory merges with light, and every place transforms into a living being that reveals what words cannot express.

Lamya speaks of art as a mirror that reflects her back to herself, and of the camera as a tool for contemplation rather than mere documentation. She reveals her philosophy of beauty, her constant search for truth within the ordinary, and her passion for portraying the human experience in its most sincere and delicate forms.

In this interview, we discover an artist who believes that true art is not spoken but felt, and that every photograph is an unfinished story, completed not by what you see, but by what you feel.

What is your idea of true happiness?

My idea of happiness is very simple. I see myself as an old soul who finds joy in life's smallest details, my morning cup of coffee, being surrounded by family and friends. I also deeply cherish my independence and solitude, and I feel an indescribable excitement each time I begin a new creative project. For me, the process of creation often brings greater joy than the final result.
While some find satisfaction in the outcome of their work, I find it in the act of creating itself, in the thrill of the unknown, in the magic of turning an idea into reality, and in the euphoria that accompanies the birth of artistic vision.
Even at forty two, I still believe in magic. That belief keeps my hope alive and nourishes the child within me.
To me, true happiness is the flow of passion, that force that makes every step of the journey exciting, every challenge worthwhile, and every moment alive.
To be surrounded by love, beautiful energy, and the people you cherish, what could be more fulfilling than that?

If you were to die and come back as another person or thing, what would you be?

If I were asked who I would want to be other than myself, my honest answer would be: no one. Not out of vanity, but from deep self acceptance and gratitude.
Over the past decade, I've worked hard to understand myself, to grow, to heal, and to find peace within.
Self acceptance means I no longer seek validation or identity outside of myself. The desire to be someone or something else would almost erase everything I've built in awareness and experience.
I truly value the person I've become, with all the lessons, scars, and wisdom that shaped me.
Though I must admit, sometimes I envy cats, they do nothing, are adored, and still rule the world!

What are the main traits that define your personality?

People often describe me as deeply sensitive, creative, empathetic, and maybe a little dramatic. I see the world through a unique lens, noticing emotions and details others might overlook.
My sensitivity once made me vulnerable, my kindness was sometimes misunderstood or taken advantage of. But over time, I learned to protect my space, set clear boundaries, and focus on my own growth and wellbeing instead of getting lost in others expectations.
I've realized that if we can give others limitless love and care, we must also give the same to ourselves.
Self love is not selfishness, it's survival.
I don't believe in revenge, but I believe in resilience, in protecting my peace and never letting others actions change who I am.
I strive to live authentically, embracing both my strengths and flaws, learning from my mistakes, and evolving without apology.
I want to walk through life with courage, clarity, and compassion, for others and for myself.

What talent do you wish you had?

There are so many things I wish I were better at. I've always admired people with a business mind, I wish I were more skilled with numbers and strategy. But today, I'm at a point in my life where I've fully accepted who I am.
I truly believe that God blesses everyone with their own unique set of gifts.
If you had asked me ten years ago, I would have listed dozens of skills I wished I had, from mental math and business management to leadership, crochet, and learning new languages.
But after more than twenty years in the art world, I've gained enough experience and refined many abilities.
Now, I focus on my mental and emotional health, it's the foundation of a happier, more creative life. Taking care of my mind and soul is as important as caring for my body.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Honestly, nothing.
Not out of arrogance, but acceptance. We're all imperfect, and perfection itself is an illusion.
I live in peace with who I am. I know I'm not perfect, none of us are, but I wake up each day striving to be a better version of myself.
I'm proud of the journey I've taken, the obstacles I’ve overcome, and the strength it took to become who I am today.
It wasn't easy, it took patience, resilience, pain, and growth to reach a point where I can say this with pride.
Though my path is unique, I see it as a beautiful opportunity to learn and evolve.
This growth allows me to embrace the talents I bring into the world. I've learned to find peace within instead of seeking approval from the outside, whether in my art or my life.
I take pride in being a mother, an artist, a wife, a sister, and a friend. I'm proud of my roots, my faith, and my identity.
My greatest accomplishment is learning to celebrate myself with honesty and love.
I look toward the future with confidence, ready to keep growing, creating, and living with passion, purpose, and gratitude.

Your favorite song, book, and film?

I've always been a film lover, especially old classics, Arabic and Western. I feel modern cinema has lost some of the magic that films like Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopatra, or Egypt's black and white movies once had.
They take me back to my childhood, when my mother would buy us videotapes, and we'd watch together, Betty Grable, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Faten Hamama, Rushdy Abaza, and others.
Those afternoons were magical, tea, warmth, and the glow of a screen that fueled my imagination and love for detail.
Music, too, is a big part of my life. I played piano for many years, and I still listen to all kinds of music, classical, opera, jazz, glam rock, and Arabic melodies.
To me, music is storytelling, another language of emotion. I can't imagine life without it.
In literature, I've always been captivated by Elif Shafak's writing. Her stories feel alive, her characters real, they make you laugh, ache, and reflect, as if you've known them your whole life.
Her work carries truth and beauty that linger long after the last page, inviting you to see humanity in all its complexity and wonder.

What do you value most in your friends?

I value honesty, understanding, and unwavering support.
True friends don't compete, don't judge, and celebrate your victories as if they were their own.
They understand my need for solitude, sometimes I need to disappear, to recharge my soul.
Friendship to me is safety, renewal, and mutual care, not measured by how often we talk, but by the trust and love we share.
I cherish friendships that inspire, uplift, and radiate positive energy, the kind that makes life lighter, richer, and more beautiful.
I feel truly grateful to be surrounded by such authentic connections.

What is your most treasured possession?

Without a doubt, my child, my family, and those who surround me with love.
And, of course, myself, that self acceptance came only after years of struggle, challenges, and growth.
My passion, enthusiasm, and persistence are also my greatest treasures. Without them, life would feel empty. They push me forward and fill my days with purpose.
I'm always fascinated by storytelling, by how vulnerability connects us and reveals our shared humanity.
In my art, I hope to help others see that connection, that the fragility within us all is what makes us beautifully human.

Three words that describe me:

Highly sensitive, deeply empathetic.
A storyteller with vision.
Emotional, hesitant, and maybe a little dramatic, but isn’t that true of most artists?
I know that's more than three words, but as an artist, moderation has never been my strength.

I feel most inspired when…

I feel most inspired when I'm shooting with traditional film, waiting for the images to develop, watching them slowly come to life. It's a rare magic in today's digital world.
I'm also inspired when a fleeting thought or a small observation turns into a complete artwork, despite fear or doubt.
And yes, I love beautiful things, anything that sparks my curiosity, makes me smile, or convinces me that yes, maybe I do need another pair of beautiful shoes in my life!

A destination I'd love to visit:

There are so many places across the Arab world I wish to explore, every corner holds beauty, history, and culture that endlessly inspire me.

My favorite journey:

My favorite journey is life itself, from childhood to education, motherhood, and art.
Through all its light and darkness, I've found peace, maturity, and a deeper understanding of who I am.

My style icon:

My mother has always been my ultimate style icon.
Since childhood, I've admired her elegance, even at home, she dressed beautifully not for others, but out of love for herself.
Her confidence and joy left a lasting mark on me. She taught me that true style is an inner energy, as much about grace and self love as it is about appearance.

My favorite piece in my wardrobe:

My wardrobe feels like a personal museum, each piece carries a memory, a story, or a spark of beauty.
I love styling outfits like storytelling, mixing colors, accessories, and textures to create little magical moments in my own private gallery.