Rafat (May 27, 1927-October 11, 2014) was born in Northwestern Iran to Russian parents, whom had fled from the Soviet Union. She began painting at a very young age and continued until her passing. She was a strong, independent woman and an accomplished artist. She was a profound philanthropist and women's rights activist, building schools and promoting social progression across the country. 

 

Rafat was educated in Tehran and continued her education at the College of Arts at Tehran University. She never stopped painting throughout her life. Rafat left Iran and moved to France in the late 1970's where she exhibited her art in numerous galleries. Her exhibitions were attended by Persian Royalty. Later she immigrated to the United States and continued to exhibit her new work. Over the past four decades, her art has been exhibited and has won prizes in Tehran, Geneva, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Vichy, and Washington D.C. 

 

By using brilliant colors and strong brushwork in a style that is post-impressionist and expressionist, she reflects her childhood memories onto the canvas. Often she paints landscapes, obscure and distorted portraits, village life, and women engaged in activities. The emotional identification of Rafat's color observations manifests in her subjects. They portray a range of emotions, all the more so when they are moving together to some nearby destination; carrying water, bringing flowers to a neighbor, or dancing in the open air. Behind them are trees, sometimes brightly hued, always upright and stable, providing a calm background of balance and support.