RIFAAE AHMAD
« Rifaae’s art is a captivating dialogue between the past and the present, the East and the West. Rooted in history and anchored in the modern world, his works reflect the constant metamorphosis of human existence.
Through the fusion of traditional painting techniques with digital media and modern technologies, Rifaae creates a visual language that is both contemporary and timeless. His works stand out not only for their aesthetic appeal but also intellectually challenge the viewer, inviting them to ask deeper questions about identity, belonging, and the human experience.
Rifaae’s art fascinates with its complexity and emotional depth. With impressive ease, he intertwines personal narratives with universal themes, creating works of art that resonate individually and are socially relevant.
Overall, Rifaae’s works offer a significant commentary on contemporary society. They deeply reflect the human experience, marked by migration, cultural transformation, and the search for a place in the world. They provide not only aesthetic enjoyment but also intellectual and emotional challenges that stimulate reflection on personal identity and broader social structures.»
Sonja Dolzer
Rifaae (Refaayi Ahmad), born in 1977 in Derek, Syria, is an artist whose works represent an impressive synthesis between tradition and modernity. From an early age, he showed extraordinary talent, which led him to the prestigious ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS in Damascus. After graduating in 1999 and specializing in oil painting in 2000, Rifaae participated in the significant Syrian SPRING exhibitions in 1999, 2001, and 2003, marking the beginning of a distinguished career.
In the vibrant heart of Damascus, Rifaae opened his studio and a gallery, where he collaborated with other established artists. His early works—ranging from realistic, apolitical animal motifs to abstract compositions—demonstrate his artistic versatility. However, the political insecurities for Kurds in Syria made it inevitable for him to leave the country. In 2016, Rifaae fled to Austria, where in the following years, he created the significant art cycles Salmon (2015-2018), Maps (2018-2020), Birth (2020-2023), and Unbound (starting in 2023).
Exhibitions
2024: FREE HAND ART GALLERY, Syria
2024: BURN-IN Galerie im Gerngross, Austria – Gedankenströme
2023: CCM Museum, Italy – Berths
2023: Schloss Ebenau - Galerie Walker, Austria – Zwischen den Welten
2021: KALIMAT ART GALLERY, Turkey
2020: Violett Art Gallery, Germany
2020: Mega Art Gallery, Italy
2020: SYNERGY ART HUB, Saudi Arabia
2019: Kultur Forum Amthof, Austria – Demografie 2
2017: Lab Architekten, Austria
2017: KÜNSTLERHAUS KLAGENFURT, Austria – Fliegende Gedanken
2016: FLUCHT NACH VORN, Austria – KUNST- und KULTURZENTRUM FLUCHT NACH VORN
1999: SPRING Exhibitions, Syria – Awar
