This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on January 14, 2016.

KUALA LUMPUR: Rafiee Ghani, a native of Kedah who grew up in Kelantan, is showcasing a solo collection entitled Homeland this month. The collection is inspired by his travels to countries embroiled in conflict. 

Rafiee said he had encountered in recent years individuals and communities on the move due to security threats, forcing them to uproot their families and lives. Moved by their plight, he felt the need to document their hardship and escape from the ravages of war-torn countries.

Rafiee takes a personal approach in his Homeland series of 26 paintings, projecting intense feelings onto the canvas where it is no longer about idyllic landscapes and abstracts, but actual scenes of carnage and fleeing refugees, reflecting grace and dignity under duress.

Drawing inspiration from vibrant cultures in diverse places such as Morocco, Tunisia and India has had a profound impact on Rafiee’s paintings. While he credits the influences of masters such as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso for his earlier compositions in terms of his colour palette and forms, he has found his own footing in interpreting the sights and sounds of his sojourns.

As the artist spends long periods away from home and family, he understands the longing to be in familiar surroundings and with loved ones, the need to exist and to belong. Besides empathising with displaced people in foreign land, he also thought hard about Malaysians, especially people in Manik Urai in Kelantan, who are affected by annual floods.

“I am still Malaysian and I would like to be part of its growth. I want to be known to be from here,” said Rafiee, speaking about his aim to delve deeper and highlight issues faced by our society.

At the opening of Rafiee’s Homeland exhibition, guests had the chance to appreciate two very special pieces, The Naked Truth and After The Rain, both of which showcase the artist’s dedication to his art. Prices range from RM16,000 to RM96,000, inclusive of the goods and services tax.

Among those at the event were The Edge Communications Sdn Bhd managing director Au Foong Yee and its deputy managing director Lim Shiew Yuin.  

The Edge Galerie is at G5-G6 Mont’Kiara Meridin, 19 Jalan Duta Kiara, Mont’Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. The exhibition is until Jan 29. It opens from 11am to 7pm. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays. For inquiries, call (03) 7721 8188 or (03) 6419 0102.