How do you describe your personal style? An eclectic mix of patterns, colors and prints. Classic old-school staples with a healthy dose of ethnic accents.
Tell us what role art plays in your life? I’ve been drawing since I was a child but unfortunately, I never learned how to paint.
What do you collect? I collect figurative art and some art photographs. I have some of H. Craig Hanna’s early work, some prints from Neal Oshima and illustrations by Stephane Manel.
What was the last museum or gallery you visited? Cindy Sherman’s exhibit at Metro Pictures Gallery in Chelsea. I loved that she was wearing Chanel couture!
If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be? Mark Rothko’s “White Center”.
Which artist would you most like to meet? Cindy Sherman or Richard Serra.
How does art inspire you, your life, your job? I’m fortunate enough to live near all the art galleries in Chelsea, so going on Thursday nights has become a part of my routine. Whether it’s a photograph, a dance performance, or a painting, they are all potential references for inspiration.
What was the first piece of art you purchased? It was an abstract pastel from a lesbian artist at the Porte de Vanves flea market in Paris. She was raising money for a sex change operation. I thought it would help her realize her dream in my own little way.
What does the art in your home say about you? The art in my home shows my varied interests in different mediums and themes as well as my love for color and mixing styles.
If you could paint, draw, sculpt, or photograph, what skill would you most like to possess? I’ve been drawing since I was a child but unfortunately, I never learned how to paint. That’s a skill I would like to learn at some point in the near future. It requires patience and that’s a virtue I don’t possess just yet.
What’s your preference?
Abstract or Realism? Abstract
Painting or Photography? Both
Museum or Art Galleries? Both
Color or Black + White? Color
Hirst or Hockney? Hockney
Picasso or Pollock? Picasso
Bacon or Baquiat? Both
Moma or Met? Both
LA or New York? New York
Check out Rafe’s Saatchi Online Curated Collection here.
Learn more about Rafe. Check out his website www.rafe.com.
I enjoy being a witness of fast growing success of Rafe’s work.
He’s a great talent, very smart and curious, amazingly productive and
first of all creative, I would say many kind and true words,
but it’s obvious that the man is a genius and his value as a designer
will continue to grow because nothing can stop a true talent like Rafe.
I love, I admire and I believe in the excellence of talented designer Rafe.
Rafe never fails to surprise. His interest in art, travel, culture and design keeps his eye honed and fresh. Thanks, Saatchi Online for profiling such a dynamic talent.
Wow. You picked out a great collection! Thank you for introducing me to these artists.
Colourful and tasteful, I love the geometry and composition inherent in the various pieces Rafe brought together. Makes me look out my window seeking out patterns in the world.
You never end up to surprise your friends: how many interests, how many passions and talents you still have to share with us? Great collection Rafe.