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BIO

Rafig Abbas is an Azerbaijani artist currently living and working in Raleigh, North Carolina.

His work explores the relationship of color and shape, light, and scale to create compositions that are just what you see. Using oil paint as the main material in his work, he invites the viewer to immerse oneself in his work.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My work explores the emotional resonance of color and form through large-scale oil paintings. I am drawn to the immersive power of size — how a canvas that fills a wall can also fill the body with sensation, drawing the viewer into a space where color can evoke feelings. By layering fields of pigment and shape, I aim to create compositions that evoke pure human feelings beyond words.

At the heart of my practice is a belief that color and shape are not simply visual elements, but frequencies. Just as music is a combination of notes, abstract color and shape are also elements that can resonate with the viewer in the same way. Ultimately, my paintings are invitations: to stand before them, to slow down, and to experience one's own sensations.

PERSONAL STORY

Born in Sumqayit, a small, coastal city in Azerbaijan, Rafig, later moved to the capital city of Baku. From his early ages he was involved in classical music and was interested in Visual Art. During his studies he was actively involved in the ongoing Jazz & Art scene in The Netherlands. After graduating he moved to The United States and started painting. His fascinations include works by Rothko, Yves Klein, Clyfford Still, Barnett Newman, Piet Mondrian, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kazimir Malevich.

CONTACT

Rafig Abbas's Studio is located in Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.

Please send all inquiries directly to Rafig.

E-mail: hello@rafigabbas.com

Socials: @rafig.abbas

ARTIST CV