0
You left us in halves, half of your laughter, still ringing in the breeze
Half of a heart still beating, for reasons unknown, a smile, a touch, a word
All begin to fade, from causes left unsaid...
Excerpt from Unfinished works, by Moin Faruqi
The Indus Valley School of Arts and Architecture resonates with its usual hubbub. Students and teachers alike continue with their daily activities. Yet, there's something missing. The absence of Usman Ghauri's ringing laughter and his sunshine has cast a shadow over the school which is both palpable and perceptible.
There are artists, and then there are teachers. But in Ghauri was the rare combination of an artist and an educator who was an inspiration to many. Some would remember him as a great teacher, others as a respected colleague. But all would remember him as a kind human being. His laughter, they would say, was infectious, his attitude towards life, positive. He was a beacon to many of his students, and his struggles to realise his dreams a lesson for them.
That he was an artist, who was always open to new experiences, and even suggestions, goes without saying. That he was committed to his work and was a thorough professional who never compromised on quality is also a respected fact. But when his friends—be it his family, colleagues, students, or art fraternity in general—remember him, it's less to do with his professional laurels, and more to do with how he touched every single one of them in a special way. They would tell you, how in times of crisis, they would turn to Usman, who would at least listen to them attentively. They would recall how he would always take time out of his extremely busy schedule if a friend needed his help. His ever-optimistic, warm presence and constant encouragement in the face of adversity will continue to guide those who were fortunate enough have gained from it.
"He was very energetic, vibrant, polite and of course, always there to help others," says photographer and blogger Jamal Ashiqain, a friend of Usman. "I remember once he reached an exhibition early and the artworks were still being put up. Instead of waiting for others to do it, he just went ahead and began putting them up himself. That’s Usman, always lending a helping hand."
He would laugh, even in the most trying circumstances. Students would remember his love for Bollywood, and especially Shah Rukh Khan. They would remember him as a happy person who would always tell them to look good; a teacher-friend who was always ready with a joke, and who would lift them out of the worst moods with his lively wit.
"I remember he would never carry a cigarette and will simply go around asking for one, ek cigarette de do, he would say," recalls one of Usman's students, smiling poignantly. "He was one person who would always bring a smile to our face, even after his death, because he always believed in spreading happiness."
Yet, Usman was a hard taskmaster. He would expect his students to give their 100 per cent, was honest with his criticism, and yet encouraged them at every step. They will miss his generosity in imparting knowledge and his selfless zeal to see his students’ reach the pinnacle of success.
His friends would tell you, how he would find happiness and meaning in little things. His life is a lesson to those who keep their laughter on hold for something 'big'. He would look for pleasure in simple matters and turn even the most mundane tasks into fun and laughter with his ever-positive outlook.
"Such was the impact of his personality that at his funeral, there were people who had known Usman for hardly a few months and were still crying their heart out," says Aamir Ghauri, a childhood friend.
When Moin Faruqi, Usman's colleague at the IVS read a poem at his tribute on the balmy Saturday evening, which he had written for Usman, it left many teary-eyed. After all, it mirrors the sentiments of every single soul who had met the artist or was associated with him in some way. Usman has left behind, not just incomplete artworks, but people whose lives can never be the same without his effervescent presence, and who loved him unconditionally as an amazing human being. Almost as much as he cared for them.
On April 9, 2011, the tragic news of Usman Ghauri's death left many on the art scene shocked. After a month of his demise, his peers organised the show 'A Tribute to Usman Ghauri' at the IVS Gallery on May 14 and 15, 2011, to pay homage to the brother, friend and teacher they all miss dearly.
