Raouf Rifai

Raouf Rifai (b. 1954) is an award-winning Lebanese artist who was born in Beirut. He studied at the Institute of Fine Arts in Beirut, where he gained a Bachelor’s degree in Decorative Art in 1982. Rifai furthered his studies in Paris, obtaining a PhD in Urbanism from the Sorbonne University in 1995.

Known for his figurative, abstract paintings, Rifai describes the subject of his work as humanity in its entirety, inspired by the region’s history and heritage. His art serves as a mirror for the way in which Middle Eastern civilization has evolved, shaped by societal transitions and marked by layer upon layer of complexities and drama, remaining in a continual state of flux. Topical themes explored in his work range from environmental issues to the impact of regional instability.

The darwich is a longstanding, recurring motif in Rifai’s paintings. Dynamic and created in bold vibrant oil colours, they act as a symbol of the complicated tapestry of the ever-changing Middle Eastern societal landscape. Social realities are relayed through these characters on canvas, where Rifai captures and shares a vast range of emotions. As he has pointed out, each darwich has a particularity and a responsibility for their actions, highlighting the fragile and multi-layered way of life, determined by elements ranging from religions to social structures. The ‘tarboosh’ is another feature in many works, often making a comment on social status.

Rifai’s choice of colors is rooted in societal history—gold, which was regarded as sacred in Ancient Egypt, and purple for its association with the clergy, for example.

Raouf Rifai has received several awards for his work, including first prize at the Sursock Museum’s 2010 Salon d’Automne in Beirut. His work is widely collected and has been extensively exhibited internationally.

Rifai’s solo shows include, most recently: ‘Harmonizing Colors’, Nadine Fayad Art Gallery, Beirut (2023); show at Espace Namouna, with Nadine Fayad Art Gallery, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, France (2023); ‘Darwich Cedar’, Nadine Fayad Art Gallery, Beirut (2023); show at Nadine Fayad Art Gallery, Beirut (2016); ‘Karakouz’, Mark Hachem Gallery, Beirut (2015); ‘Carnival of Darwiches’, Sana Gallery, Singapore (2013); ‘Carnival of Darwiches’, TJ Fine Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2013); ‘Karakouz’, Mark Hachem Gallery, New York (2013); ‘Harmony’, Farhat Art Center, California (2013); ‘Interlude’, Athr Gallery, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2012); ‘Darwich’, Farhat Art Center, California (2012); ‘Darawish’, Ahli Bank, Beirut (2012); ‘Festival 2011’, Al Bustan Gallery, Beit Mery, Lebanon (2011); ‘Casa del Arte’, Gallery Istanbul (2010); show at Art Circle Gallery, Beirut (2010); show at Piece Unique Gallery, Beirut (2010); show at CCF Gallery, Beirut (2009); show at LC Gallery, Balearic Islands, Spain (2008); ‘Arte’, Dubai Gallery, Dubai (2007); show at CCF Gallery, Beirut (2006); show at CCF Gallery, Beirut (2004); show at Janine Rubeiz Gallery, Beirut (2003); and show at Espace SD Gallery, Beirut (2001).

Recent group shows and art fairs featuring Rifai’s work include: Art Cairo, Nadine Fayad Art Gallery, Grand Egyptian Museum (2023); Riyadh International Luxury Week, Nadine Fayad Art Gallery, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2021); Expo Dubai, Nadine Fayad Art Gallery, Dubai (2020); ‘Walls’, Abidjan, Ivory Coast (2020); Beirut Art Fair, Beirut (2019); Farhat Museum, California (2016); the Middle East Artists Art Collection, Afaq Gallery, Beirut (2015); The New Middle East, Inforimart Center, Paris (2013); ‘Installation’, Modern and Contemporary Art Museum, Alita, Lebanon (2013); Art Dubai, Athr Gallery, Dubai (2013); Paris Art Fair, Mark Hachem Gallery, Paris (2013); Miami Art Fair, Mark Hachem Gallery, Miami (2013); ‘Syri-art’, Beirut Exhibition Centre, Beirut (2013); ‘He and She’, Al Markhiya Art Gallery, Doha, Qatar (2013); ‘Private Collection’, Afaq Gallery and Solidere, SV Gallery, Beirut (2013); ‘White Flags’, Kent University, London, UK (2013); ABC Art Gallery Exhibition, Athr Gallery, Berlin, Germany (2012); Art Dubai, Athr Gallery, Dubai (2012); ‘Art Collection’, Afaq Gallery, Beirut (2012); ‘Middle Eastern Art’, Gallery 13, Athr Gallery, London, UK (2012); Beirut Art Fair, Raja Sertin Gallery, Beirut (2012); Craponne Tenth Biennale, Craponne, Lyon (2011); ‘Self Portrait’, Athr Gallery, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and London, UK (2011); Menasart Fair, Raja Nehme Sertin Art Gallery, Biel, Beirut (2011); ‘Rebirth’, Beirut Exhibition Centre, Solidere, Beirut (2011); Art Dubai, Athr Gallery, Dubai (2011); Raja Nehme Sertin Gallery, Beirut (2009); Art Circle Gallery, Beirut (2009); Janine Rubeiz Gallery, Beirut (2009); ‘Let the Earth Breathe’, Matossian Gallery, Beirut (2009); ‘Impressions sur Place’, Janine Rubeiz Gallery, Beirut (2008); Lebanese National Library Foundation, in collaboration with Janine Rubeiz Gallery, Sursock Museum, Beirut (2006); ‘Salon d’Automne’, Sursock Museum, Beirut (2005); ‘The Artist’s View’, Lebanon Gallery, Mayfair, London (2004); ‘Rencontres Méditerranéennes, Tunis (2002); Biennale Bagdad, Iraq (2002); Biennale, Alexandria, Egypt (2001); and ‘International Salon of Contemporary Arts, Artuel, Beirut (2001).

Rifai taught for several years at the Department of Architecture and Design at the Lebanese University and is Vice President of the Association of Lebanese Artists.