Step into the whimsical and wonder-filled world of award-winning contemporary artist Rafi Perez, where emotion and artistry dance in harmony. Rafi’s creations are more than just visual delights – they are profound invitations to explore your inner strength, ignite self-awareness, and embrace mindfulness with open arms.
From the very start, Rafi’s artistic journey was a whirlwind of mischief and inspiration. As a child, he transformed everyday objects into art, channeling creativity even when it landed him in a bit of hot water. Despite having no support system for artistic expression, Rafi’s creative passion bloomed, leading him on an unexpected adventure later on in life.
However, the world’s path often veers from our artistic callings, and Rafi found himself ascending the corporate ladder. Yet, the allure of stability couldn’t smother his creative fire. One day, he seized his destiny with both hands and went rogue. Casting aside conventions, he chose the exhilarating path of an artist, where authenticity and exploration reign supreme.
Rafi Perez: Embracing Colors, Chasing Dreams, and Going Rogue
Breaking free from the mundane, Rafi embarked on an enchanting voyage across the nation with his wife and soulmate, Klee Angelie. The open road became his canvas, where he painted the sky with courage and wonder. This transformative journey reshaped Rafi’s outlook, revealing a tapestry woven with empowerment and the vibrant hues of living life to its fullest.
Today, Rafi stands as a beacon of authenticity, inspiring all to embrace their unique journey. His art is a kaleidoscope of textured tales, bold palettes, and experimental strokes, each whispering personal stories of growth and emotion. His canvases ripple with layers upon layers of paint, mirroring life’s intricate complexities. Through symbolic shapes and vivid colors, he bares his soul, inviting viewers to join him on a voyage of human experience.
Beyond his canvas, Rafi is a guiding light for fellow artists. His Rogue Artist’s Survival Guide Series is a testament to his mentorship and the love he shares with a global community of creative minds.
Rafi’s artistic manifesto transcends boundaries, questioning society’s labels and revealing the raw essence of humanity. In a world obsessed with categorization, he reminds us that our shared experiences – tears, laughter, love, and pain – unite us all. His exhibitions are living odes to the human spirit, with figures caught in the midst of transformation, their narratives mirroring life’s pivotal moments.
Step closer to Rafi’s artworks, and you’ll discover an enigmatic language, one that beckons you to decipher its secrets. Dreams, fears, hopes – they all find sanctuary within the intricate lines and vibrant hues. His pieces are more than images; they are gateways to contemplation, evoking feelings and sparking flights of imagination.
Rafi’s artistic legacy echoes far and wide, adorning public and private collections across the globe. Nestled in the heart of Oil City, Pennsylvania, he continues to weave his magic, inviting you to uncover the beauty in vulnerability, the strength in authenticity, and the uncharted territories within your own spirit. So, come and explore – the journey awaits.
PREMIERE EXHIBITIONS, EVENTS, & AWARDS
2022
- Grafitti Gallery, Hi – We Are Still Here Exhibition, Oil City PA – Solo Exhibition
- Grafitti Gallery, Hi – We’re New Here! Exhibition, Oil City PA – Solo Exhibition
- TAG Gallery, Untangling The Web Artist Talk, Oil City PA – Art Seminar
2021
- Luna Fine Art Gallery, Stuff Of Life Exhibit, Pensacola Beach FL – Solo Exhibition
- Luna Fine Art Gallery, Heroes Exhibit, Pensacola Beach FL – Awarded
- Rafi’s Artstravaganza, Dolce & Gelato, Pensacola FL – Continued
2020 (The Year That Shall Not Be Named)
- Luna Fine Art Gallery, Luminaries Exhibit, Pensacola Beach FL – Awarded
- Rafi’s Artstravaganza, Dolce & Gelato, Pensacola FL
2019
- Setco Corporate Public Commission, Pensacola FL
- Art Of Imperfect Art, Santa Rosa Art Association Live Talk, Santa Rosa FL
- First City Group Show, Gallery 1060, Pensacola FL
- Hansen Open House Gallery Show, Pensacola FL
- Live Juice Bar: Featured Artist Solo Show, Pensacola FL
- Pelican Perch Public Commission, Pensacola FL
- Being An Artist, Montessori School, Live Talk, Pensacola FL
- Jaco’s Art a la Carte: Featured Solo Show, Pensacola FL
2018
- The Happy Art Tour: Featured Art Installation, Pensacola FL
- Jaco’s Art a la Carte: Featured Solo Show, Pensacola FL
- Sunflowers And Stardust Solo Show Artel Gallery, Pensacola FL
- Live Juice Bar: Featured Artist Solo Show, Pensacola FL
- Southtowne Apartments Opening Live Painting, Pensacola FL
- Downtown Gallery Night Design Contest Winner 2018 , Pensacola FL
- Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose… Repeat. Artel Gallery, Pensacola FL Awarded (Best In Show)
- Baptist Hospital Gallery: Featured Solo Exhibition, Pensacola FL
2017
- Jaco’s Art a la Carte: Featured Solo Show, Pensacola FL
- Art at the Annex: Drawing Rally, Live Painting, Pensacola FL
- Art at the Annex: Graffiti/Street Art Pop-Up, Pensacola FL
- Inweekly Magazine Voted Runner-up Best Of The Coast 2017
- Gallery Night September: Featured Artist, Downtown Pensacola FL
- Gulf Breeze Arts: Speaker (Creativity and Life), Gulf Breeze FL
- Love & Hate: A Remix Of Urban Experience. BUILD, Chicago IL
- I am not an EXIT: My Guide To I AM, Solo Show. Artel Gallery, Pensacola FL
2016
- Cinco Banderas Collection. Artel Gallery, Pensacola FL
- It’s A Zoo In Here. Artel Gallery, Pensacola FL – Awarded (Best In Show)
- Inweekly Magazine Voted Best Of The Coast 2016
- Uptown/Downtown. Artel Gallery, Pensacola FL
- Mural Project on Palafox St., Historic Downtown, Pensacola FL
- Rock Your Senses – Live Painting At Vinyl Music Hall, Pensacola FL
- Curated Compassion – Interactive Installation, Pensacola FL
2015
- You Are Here: The Strange Curiosity Of Right Now. SoloArt Exhibition. Marty Campbell Galley, Pensacola FL
- Mahabhuta Yoga Festival Featured Artist, Pensacola FL
- Downtown Wine Walk, Live Painting, Historic Downtown Pensacola FL
- The Daily Brew – Live Painting On Network Television, Pensacola FL
2014
- Rock Your Face For The Holidays – Live Painting At Vinyl Music Hall, Pensacola FL
- New Blues Show. Blue Morning Gallery, Pensacola FL
- Artist Gone Wild, NWFAS, Pensacola FL
- Downtown Wine Walk, Live Painting, Historic Downtown Pensacola FL
2013
- Milton River Walk, COM, Milton Florida – Awarded (White Ribbon)
- Artmore Gallery Event, Atmore AL
- The Rotation Of Painting,The Yard, East Hill Yard, Pensacola FL
- Artist Gone Wild, NWFAS, Pensacola FL
- PMA (Pensacola Museum of Art) Members Show, Pensacola FL
2012
- Art From The Heart, Gourmet Dinner Night, Pensacola FL
- Art Party X, Pensacola, FL
- Gulf Breeze Celebrates The Arts, Gulf Breeze FL
2004
- Avant-Grande, MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) Warehouse, Chicago IL
More About Rafi’s Art
His Paintings represent the discovery of mysteries of the subconscious mind that are part of his own personal journey in life. The art holds the promise of dreams, visions, fears, intangibles, and will. It is a collaboration of the mind and spirit. It is designed to speak to the viewer in a confidential language. Once a piece of art grabs you, you cannot help but interact with it; it demands contemplation, study, feeling, and flights of fancy.
“He is driven to communicate visual qualities of perhaps the external environment which offers us freedom and inspiration as we cope with awesome focal points in the vast open space surrounding our existence. He attempts to show the internal passion of human sensuality that brings quality to our senses stimulating and extending our consciousness elevating life as individuals or sharing space with others around us.Ultimately Rafi seems to convey simple sophistication and intellectual freedom as he uses the visual language to express the human potential.” – Spiros Zachos (PO10TIAL Magazine)
Rafi’s work can be found in a myriad of public and private art collections both in the United States and abroad, He currently lives and works in Oil City, Pennsylvania.
