Rifky El Razzaz

Biography

cultural narratives rifky elrazzaz portrait

Rifky El Razzaz is an Egyptian artist born in 1958, currently based in Cairo. His work draws inspiration from Cairo’s landscape and ancient history, creating large paintings that reference Ancient Egyptian art. El Razzaz’s abstract style combines elements of cubism, similar to Braque and Picasso, with geometric and flat qualities reminiscent of Ancient Egyptian murals. He masterfully uses colour, blending shades of turquoise and lapis lazuli with contemporary neon greens and pinks, creating a vibrant contrast that evokes a modern take on ancient aesthetics.

His paintings are filled with intricate details and figures, varying from clearly articulated forms to stylised, stick-like representations. By centring figures in his compositions, El Razzaz pays homage to the reverence Ancient Egyptians had for human life, from kings to common people. His work, often seen as an extension of a larger narrative, can be found in the headquarters of UNESCO and has been exhibited extensively in Egypt and internationally.

Artwork

cultural narratives rifky elrazzaz artwork