Rifaae
A synthesis of tradition and modernity. Metaphorical mappings of the soul meet Orwell's vision in the ultrasound of time.
The compass does not always point north.
Statement
Rifaae's art is a gripping dialog between past and present, East and West. Rooted in history, anchored in the modern world, his works reflect the constant metamorphosis of human existence.
By merging traditional painting techniques with modern digital media and technologies, Rifaae creates a visual language that is both contemporary and timeless. His works not only captivate with their aesthetic appeal, but also challenge the viewer intellectually to ask deeper questions about identity, belonging and human experience.
Rifaae's art fascinates with its complexity and emotional depth. With impressive ease, he interweaves personal narratives with universal themes, creating artworks that are individually touching and socially relevant.
Overall, Rifaae's works are a significant commentary on contemporary society. They reflect deeply on the human experience - characterized by migration, cultural transformation and the search for a place in the world. They offer not only aesthetic pleasure, but also intellectual and emotional challenges that encourage reflection on one's own identity and larger social structures.
Artistic CV
Rifaae (Refaayi Ahmad), born in 1977 in Derek, Syria, is an artist whose works represent an impressive synthesis of tradition and modernity. His extraordinary talent became apparent early on, which led him to the renowned FINE ART ACADEMY in Damascus. After graduating in 1999 and specializing in oil painting in 2000, Rifaae participated in the important Syrian SPRING exhibitions in 1999, 2001 and 2003, which marked the start of a remarkable career.
In the midst of the vibrant heart of Damascus, Rifaae opened his studio and a gallery where he collaborated with other established artists. His initial works - ranging from apolitical, realistic animal motifs to abstract compositions - testify to his artistic versatility. However, the political uncertainties for Kurds in Syria made leaving the country unavoidable. In 2016, Rifaae fled to Austria, where in the following years he created the important artistic cycles Salmon (2015-2018), Maps (2018-2020), Birth (2020-2023) and Unbound (from 2023).
The Salmon cycle not only reflects the artist's physical journey, but also his inner emotional migration. The search for localization in a new environment manifests itself in the works of the Maps cycle. These maps are more than geographical representations; they are metaphorical landscapes of the feelings and thoughts that are experienced when adapting to a new life. Finally, the Birth cycle reveals the artist's rebirth in a new culture. These works are an artistic manifestation of the development of a new identity shaped by both his roots and the new environment. With Unbound, Rifaae ventures into a powerful exploration of the boundaries of identity and freedom. His powerful visual homage celebrates the pursuit of individual freedom and liberty.
Rifaae's ability to combine traditional techniques with modern forms of expression has earned him recognition far beyond the Middle East. His participation in the Open Workshops at the ALBERTINA in Vienna between 2018 and 2019 marked another milestone in his ongoing artistic development. His works have been presented in numerous group and solo exhibitions in Syria, Turkey, Kuwait, Iraq, Germany, Italy and Austria and are part of the collection of the Syrian Ministry of Culture.
In his current works, Rifaae focuses on the human being and the unborn, integrating themes such as diversity and LGBT. These works create a connection between art, culture and social reality, challenging the viewer both intellectually and emotionally. They illuminate the tensions between individual uniqueness and social conformity and encourage reflection on progress and regression in human nature.
Rifaae now lives and works in Vienna. His works appeal to both private and institutional collectors and tell of a deep human experience and an unshakeable hope for the future. With GEDANKENSTRÖME, Vienna's BURN-IN Gallery showed in early 2024 how art can not only depict the digital transformation, but also question it and open up new levels of understanding. Rifaae's oeuvre is an unmistakable commentary on our time and a shining signal for the role of art in the digital society. The Viennese BURN-IN Gallery has represented Riffaae since September 2023.