Boy Seated on Red Sofa, 1972

Jalal Al Rifai (جلال الرفاعي, also transliterated as Jalal Al-Refai or Jalal El Rifai) was a prominent Jordanian painter born in 1946 and active until his passing in 2012. Renowned for his expressive use of color and dynamic compositions, Al Rifai’s work often explored themes rooted in Jordanian heritage and broader Arab identity. His oeuvre spanned painting and mixed media, with a distinctive style that blended abstraction and figuration, reflecting both local traditions and contemporary artistic currents.

Al Rifai’s art has been exhibited in significant institutional venues across the Middle East, including the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, where his contributions to modern Jordanian art were recognized in several group and solo exhibitions. His works have also been featured in regional biennials and cultural festivals, underscoring his influence within the Arab art scene. Internationally, Al Rifai’s paintings have appeared at major auction houses such as Christie’s and Bonhams, where they have attracted collectors interested in modern Middle Eastern art. These auction milestones highlight his standing as one of Jordan’s leading artists of his generation, with a legacy that continues to inspire contemporary practitioners in the region.