Raouf Rifai
B. 1954, Baalbek
Raouf Rifai completed his studies at the Institute of Fine Arts at the Lebanese University, where he developed a keen interest in studying various painting styles, including French Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism. He particularly admired painters such as Chagall, Braque, Soutine, Rouault, Matisse, and Pissarro.
His first exhibition took place at Gallery Chahine in Beirut, showcasing his paintings of natural scenes and portraits from 1982 to 1985. Rifai relocated to Paris to pursue Urbanism studies at the Sorbonne. During his ten-year stay in France, he exhibited in several galleries, such as Bernanos Gallery, Caepo Gallery, Hautefeuille Gallery, and the Gallery Sud of Bagneux in the South.
Today, Rifai is recognized as one of the most significant painters in the Middle East. For over forty years, he has created a vibrant, captivating, and expressive body of work across various media, garnering international acclaim and collectors worldwide. He has organized personal exhibitions as well as participated in numerous collective exhibitions, spanning from Europe and Asia to the U.S.A.
About his Work
Raouf Rifai is a masterful storyteller. Drawing inspiration from the iconographic repertoire of Lebanese popular culture, including figures like Jeha, Caracoz, Bahloul, and the Darwish, Rifai creates theatrical comedies that serve as a parody of Middle Eastern society.
His signature style is characterized by bold colors and shapes, along with expressive human figures and faces. The semantic elements within his work invite viewers to decipher and connect. For Rifai, the game of visual art extends beyond mere manipulation of shapes and colors or the pleasure of creating a painting. It goes beyond spontaneity, instinct, and primal urges, delving into the realm of symbols as if he were carving into childhood.
Rifai's art is inherently experimental, as he constantly seeks new avenues of expression. He takes on a cultural and environmental educational role within his society. His affinity for working with children allows him to share his artistic experiences and inspire young minds. He believes that art begins and ends with them, recognizing that an artist is, in essence, a mature child.
Raouf Rifai
Arab Spring, 2013
Mixed Media, 180 x 55 x 70 cm
MACAM collection, donation from the artist
Darwish Material, 2013
Ceramics, 23 x 29 x 29 cm
MACAM collection, donation from the artist