Rafei Jasem

Rafi Jasim, born in Baghdad in 1929, is a distinguished Iraqi painter and set designer whose career spans over six decades. His artistic journey began in the mid-1950s, participating in his first art exhibition in 1955. Jasim's work is characterized by earthy tones, a choice influenced by his visual impairment, and often reflects themes from Baghdad's old neighborhoods and the marshlands. His paintings blend elements of abstraction, expressionism, and realism, capturing the essence of Iraqi heritage.

In addition to his painting career, Jasim made significant contributions to Iraqi television as a set designer. He joined Iraq's television industry in 1962, designing numerous sets for programs and series over four decades. His expertise led him to participate in specialized courses, including a program at the Arab Television Institute in Cairo during 1966-1967, where he earned top honors. He also worked with Libyan television as a set designer between 1969 and 1970.

Jasim has held eleven solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group shows both within Iraq and internationally, showcasing his work in countries such as Poland, Germany, France, Austria, Pakistan, Libya, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Palestine. His dedication to art persisted despite significant health challenges, including severe visual impairment and mobility issues. In 2017, he held a retrospective exhibition titled "The Artistic Journey Between Solitude and Decoration," featuring 18 works that encapsulated his extensive career. Jasim's enduring commitment to art has left a lasting impact on Iraq's cultural landscape.