Rafi Perez is an award-winning artist known for his vibrant and dynamic artworks that explore the boundaries between human emotion, happiness, empowerment, fantasy, and reality. Born as a first-generation American of Cuban descent, Perez has often quipped that his unique upbringing contributes to his distinctive perspective on art and life.
Early Life and Inspiration
Growing up in a ghetto of Chicago, Perez found solace and inspiration in the vast, untamed beauty of the urban landscape and the eclectic mix of people it brought to his doorstep. As a child, he would spend hours sketching on whatever scraps of paper he could find, often using the vivid hues of sunsets and joy contrasted against the dirty urban landscape.
Perez’s artistic journey was profoundly influenced by his grandfather, a wise and calm contrast to his fiery and temperamental family. His grandfather would share a treasure trove of humorous stories that seemed to straddle the line between human thought and what people consider reality. These tales, filled with characters who seemed larger than life and adventures beyond the ordinary, sowed the seeds of creativity and imagination in Perez’s young mind.
Growing up in a family that considered art a fruitless dream his life was seemingly predestined to join and eventually lead the family business. Despite this expectation, Perez’s heart was always tuned to a different rhythm—the vivid and untamed beauty of human expression, and the contrast of life, fueled his imagination and creativity.
His journey into the corporate world was a detour mandated by familial expectations. Despite a successful career that many would envy, Perez felt an unmistakable void—a realization that the path he was on did not lead to fulfillment or happiness. It was a tough pill to swallow, considering the years dedicated to a career that was more a reflection of others’ expectations than his own aspirations.
Haunted by his grandfather’s insistence on a higher calling and disillusioned by the corporate world’s empty promises, Perez made a life-altering decision. He chose to abandon the security of the known for the uncertainty and freedom of the artist’s path. This pivotal moment marked the birth of Rafi Perez, the artist who vowed to never again jump through hoops for anyone else, determined to blaze his own trail and define success on his own terms.
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.
Artistic Style and Mediums
Perez’s work is a celebration of color, emotion, and movement. His style defies easy categorization, blending elements of surrealism, abstract expressionism, and pop art to create a visual language uniquely his own. He is a master of multiple mediums, seamlessly moving between painting, sculpture, music, and writing to express his creative vision of expression.
One of the hallmark features of Perez’s work is his ability to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity. His paintings often feature whimsical creatures, figures, symbols, and fantastical abstract landscapes that invite viewers to step into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Through his art, Perez challenges us to see the beauty in the mundane and the magical in the everyday.
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.
Notable Works and Achievements
Perez’s art has been exhibited in galleries, museums, and private installations, winning him numerous awards and accolades. One of his most celebrated pieces, “The Dream Forest,” is a large-scale mixed media installation with ethereal and beautiful animatronic sculptures that impart the ancient wisdom of true happiness. This installation not only showcases Perez’s skill with different mediums but also his deep respect for nature and his desire to bring its beauty and peace to the forefront of our consciousness.
In 2014, Perez expanded his influence by launching a YouTube channel, Rafi Was Here, uploading over 500 videos to inspire creatives globally. His dedication to sharing knowledge continued with the launch of the Rogue Artist Guide series of books in 2017, providing invaluable insights to artists based on his own extensive experience.
Rafi and his wife Klee revived their music project in 2019 with their band “Better On The Drums,” producing music that touches the soul. The year 2020 saw one of Perez’s most significant exhibitions, “The Stuff Of Life,” at Luna Fine Art Gallery, drawing widespread acclaim.
2021 was a year of new beginnings as Rafi and Klee purchased their first house in northwestern Pennsylvania and hosted a large art and jewelry exhibition in Oil City named “Hi! We Are New Here,” showcasing their unique artistic talents.
In 2023, the couple organized a free public Artist Masterclass, sharing their approach to art, career, and life, generously sprinkled with insights on finding happiness.
Philanthropy and Activism
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Perez is deeply committed to using his art and creative abilities as a force for good. He has been involved in numerous charitable projects, including artist and creativity workshops for young artists. He has also auctioned work to raise funds for underprivileged children and collaborations with environmental and wildlife organizations to raise awareness about conservation issues. Perez believes that art has the power to inspire change and that artists have a responsibility to contribute to the betterment of society.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
Rafi Perez’s impact on the art world is ongoing. His work continues to inspire and captivate audiences, challenging us to see the world through a lens of wonder and imagination. As he moves forward in his career, Perez remains dedicated to exploring new mediums and techniques, always pushing the boundaries of what art can be.
In the future Rafi will continue creating new art, installations, inspiring workshops, murals, books, videos, podcasts, songs, and anything else he can do to inspire a happier and empowered world.
In a world that often seems devoid of magic, love, and happiness, Perez’s work serves as a reminder of the beauty and mystery that surround us. His legacy is one of creativity, innovation, and a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of art as a self-expression of love.
PREMIERE EXHIBITIONS, EVENTS, MILESTONES & AWARDS
2024
- See Calendar Of Events For Upcoming Exhibitions. Shows, And Events.
2023 (Stepped Back From Exhibitions For The Year Due To Temporary Studio Shut Down)
- Creative Entrepreneur Workshop, Titusville PA – Featured Speakers
- Festival Of The Book, Featured Author, Oil City PA
- Artist Masterclass Workshops – Grant Funded, Oil City PA – Organizers
- Face Off Make Up Artist Competition, Oil City PA – Judges
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
- Released The Rogue Artist’s Marketing And Money Books
- Festival Of The Book, Featured Author, Oil City PA
- Karma Concerts, Better On The Drums At Billy’s, Oil City PA – Featured Band
2021
- Moved Home and Rafi And Klee Studio To NW Pennsylvania
- 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)
- Released The Rogue Artist’s Survival Guide Book
- 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.
