“A strong aesthetic sense not only enhances personal well-being but also cultivates sensitivity to beauty and meaning in society.” In an exclusive interview Senior Pakistani artist Riaz Rafi who has recently relocated to Houston, USA talks about his artistic journey.
Q: How did you become an artist?
Riaz Rafi: I have been drawing figures and lines on takhti since childhood. As I progressed to middle school, I discovered the Urdu column Tasveer Aur Musawir by Shafi Aqeel in Jang, which introduced me to prominent artists such as Guljee and Ali Imam. My formative years in Sukkur were instrumental in shaping my artistic interests and aspirations.
Q: Who are your biggest artistic influences?
Riaz Rafi: My primary influence is my mentor, Ali Imam, who provided me with invaluable opportunities to learn about art, painting, and technique. Additionally, I draw significant inspiration from the works of the great Pablo Picasso.
Q: What is your favorite medium.
Riaz Rafi: As an experimental painter, I enjoy exploring various materials in my work, particularly mixed media. However, my preferred medium remains oil on canvas, as it allows for rich texture and depth in my creations.
Q: Where do you find inspiration?
Riaz Rafi: Nature serves as my primary source of inspiration. Its beauty and complexity continually ignite my creativity and inform my artistic expression.
Q: When is your favorite time of day to create?
Riaz Rafi: I find that I am most productive at night. I believe that creativity often emerges from darkness, and the quiet of night fosters a focused environment for my work.
Q: Describe how art is important to society.
Riaz Rafi: Art holds immense significance in our lives. It enriches our existence and fosters a deeper understanding of the world around us. A strong aesthetic sense not only enhances personal well-being but also cultivates sensitivity to beauty and meaning in society.
Q: What motivates you to create?
Riaz Rafi: My creativity flourishes when I feel a genuine interest and passion for my work. Individuals tend to be most productive when driven by enjoyment, satisfaction, and the challenges presented by their projects. For me, this passion and deep involvement in my artistic pursuits are essential motivators.
Q: What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
Riaz Rafi: One of my most cherished memories is when my gardening teacher, Fateh Ali Shah, encouraged us to leave the classroom and learn how to grow plants in the garden. As both my gardening and drawing teacher at the Sindhi Primary School in Old Sukkur, he profoundly influenced my artistic and personal development.
Q: What memorable responses have you had to your work?
Riaz Rafi: A defining moment in my career occurred in 1982 or 1983 when I was assisting Ali Imam at the Indus Art Gallery in PECHS. During a visit from Laila Shahzada, she inquired about my identity, to which Ali Imam responded, "He is a junior artist." Being recognized as an artist by such a distinguished figure was a tremendous honor and significantly boosted my confidence.
Q: Please name three artists you’d like to be compared to.
Riaz Rafi: Every artist has a unique journey, and I believe comparisons can be limiting. My focus is not on competition but on personal growth. Time will reveal where my path leads. I respect the contributions of my peers and am committed to working diligently to develop my own style, which also reflects my journalistic approach to art. Self Portrait, mix media on canvas
8 x 11 inches, mix media on paper, 2024
Mix media with collage on paper, 10 x 14 inches
48 x 48 inches, mix media on canvas'
36 x 36 inches, mix media on canvas
56 x 48 inches, retheme of stock mix media on canvas
Mixed media on canvas