by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 16th of April 2025

'I think, I'm a dreamer' by Ben Goossens

Today, we say goodbye to our friend Ben Goossens who didn’t just take photographs.
He saw the world differently.
And in doing so, he changed the way we saw it too.

He was called  THE MAGRITTE OF PHOTOGRAPHY  — and rightfully so.
Like Magritte, he blurred the lines between reality and imagination.
He turned the ordinary into the surreal,
and the familiar into something quietly profound.

But beyond the art — beyond the visual poetry he left us — he was our friend.
The kind of friend who could make you think deeply without saying a word.
Who observed life with quiet brilliance.
Who found wonder in shadows, metaphors in reflections, and stories in silence.
He saw beauty where others saw blankness.
He gave meaning to the in-between spaces.

In his presence, you felt like maybe the world was more mysterious than we give it credit for —
More beautiful, more layered, more worth paying attention to.

His photos were never just photos.
They were questions.
They were whispers.
They were dreams.
And so was he.

Now the lens is still,
the shutter quiet —
but the images remain.
So do the memories.
And so does he — in every frame, in every smile, in every moment where we catch ourselves seeing the world a little differently…
Because of him.

Thank you, dear friend, for showing us that reality is only one version of the truth.
We miss you. We honour you. We carry your vision forward.

Rest in surreal, beautiful peace Ben.
You're the 'Magritte' of our memories.

More about Ben in his 1x nterview
[191] Meet the curators - Ben Goossens

Ralf Stelander
Dear Ben,
Your great smile, personality and extraordinary imagination will be missed by many many people, but I'm sure your works will continue to inspire artists and viewers alike for generations to come. Rest in peace among other artistic giants.
Yours in art,
Ralf

Ben was also highly regarded by his fellow Curators.

Carmine Chiriacó
The loss of a friend who was both an artist and a head curator is like the disappearance of a vibrant color from our world. His art and passion illuminated the lives of everyone who knew him, leaving a void that can never be filled.
Our friend was a true artist, with a heart full of creativity and a soul that vibrated with emotions. His works were a reflection of his deep sensitivity and his ability to see the world in a unique way.
Rest in peace, dear Ben. Your creative spirit and kindness of heart will always be with us.
Thanks
Carmine

Mikhail Potapov
It was a great honor for me to work in a curatorial team with such a talented artist as Ben Goossens. Our lives are inevitably coming to an end, but it's important what we leave behind. The works of Ben Goossens have always inspired and delighted me. His art will stay with us, continuing to inspire and delight. Ben lived! Ben lives! His work will live forever! Great light,
Mikhail

Angéla Vicedomini
Dear Ben, thank you for the time we all spent together looking at the photos on 1x.com.
Thank you for your advice, your kindness and your wisdom.
Thank you for your art that we can still admire today.
Rest in peace!
Love Angéla

Jef Van den Houte
Dear Ben,
We knew each other for many years.
You were not only a 'master' in creative photography but also a warm person
Always willing to give some advice and sharing your knowledgde.
I will always remember these many moments together.
Rest in peace Ben
Jef

Peter Svoboda MQEP
Dear Ben,
You were an amazing artist with such creative ideas.
Unfortunately, we never met personally, but we discussed a lot as colleagues on the 1x curators team and shared ideas and thoughts via emails. It was a big honor to get to know you better as a 1x curator as well as learning from you. You were such a warm-hearted and friendly person.
I cannot describe how much you are missing.
Rest in peace, my friend
Peter

John Fan
Dear Ben,
You will be truly missed at 1x! Your creative vision has inspired many including myself. Your art lives on!
May you rest in peace!
John

Phillip Chang
Dear Ben,
Though I didn’t get the chance to know you well in person, I deeply admired your art. You were truly a master in creative photography and your work left a lasting impression.
I wish I had the opportunity to know you better.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Phillip

Lara Kantardjian
Dear Ben,
You were a true inspiration, artist and human being.
May your soul rest in eternal peace.
Lara

Ryo Utsunomiya 
Dear Ben,
Although I never had the chance to meet you, your creative talent had a profound impact on many people.
Your work will continue to live on and inspire countless others.
May you rest in peace.
Ryo

Anja Buehrer
Dear Ben,
Even though we didn't know each other personally, we were in contact for about 15 years. Your art was unique and inspired many, including me.
I am grateful for the years we spent together as curators and very saddened by your loss.
Rest in peace dear Ben!
Anja