Raouf Rifai, born in Lebanon in 1954, is a renowned artist known for his vibrant works reflecting cultural heritage and social transitions. He holds a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from Sorbonne Paris University and teaches interior design at Lebanese University. With a career spanning over four decades, Rifai has exhibited internationally, participating in major exhibitions across Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Japan, with over 120 solo shows. His work blends abstract symbols with cultural motifs, notably the Darwich figure, embodying the region’s evolving identity.

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In 2010, he won first prize at the Sursock Museum’s Salon d’Automne in Beirut. His works have been auctioned at Christie's and Bonhams and other major auction houses. He has also contributed to academia and served as Vice President of the Association of Lebanese Artists.

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His art is widely collected, featured in museums, banks, and universities worldwide, offering a profound commentary on identity, resilience, and cultural transformation.

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