We had the good fortune of connecting with Riaz Rafi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Riaz, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am originally from Pakistan, and my background has played a significant role in shaping who I am as an Artist. My experience has been diversified and I got the most unique opportunities. I have been to grass root levels being with common people and same time been in the company of many virtuoso’s . Each of them art maestros who I observed closely and fortunately mentored by .

Early in my career, I worked with children in remote areas, some as far back as 20 to 30 years ago. Those children are now adults, and I take pride in knowing that the work I did with them helped create awareness and positively impacted their communities. In fact, the positivities in those areas have nurtured and curses such as crime rates have decreased. I believe art had a role to play in that transformation.

Art is powerful—it has the ability to inspire, educate, and create change. If organizations or individuals invest in raising awareness through art, I believe we can significantly improve society.

My journey has not been without challenges. But through perseverance, I’ve always focused on moving forward, no matter the difficulties. Today, I’m working toward a dream of establishing a South Asian Museum here in the United States. God willing , I will make this dream a reality as added exposure for USA and its art loving citizens . It’s a vision I’m deeply committed to, and I hope it will showcase the rich cultural heritage and the transformative power of art.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My background is quite unique. I come from Sukkar, a middle-class family rooted in the Ath Watt area of Sindh, Pakistan. Sindh itself is rich with history, and I spent my early years in Sukkur, a small but vibrant city. I began my education at a government primary school, later growing up and continuing my journey in Karachi. My foundation was laid in those early years, but my true growth as an Artist began in the galleries of Ali Imam. His space was like a second home to me, and it opened doors to invaluable lessons and connections.

Love for art fuels everything I do. It’s a passion that connects me to others, and it’s why I continue to work tirelessly. Art is not just a profession; it’s a calling, a way of showing the world what’s possible when passion meets perseverance. Creative Art is also the medium to question , talk , reveal , convey and manifesting through artistic expressions. Most of times you , to be truthful , you need to challenge the status quo and break the shackles and help others do the same . So this journey was not that easy but is matter of satis -faction .

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d want to show them a mix of cultural gems, artistic spaces, and some of my personal favorite spots around Houston. Here’s how I’d plan a week to make it unforgettable:

Day One:
Morning Chai and paratha breakfast at my regular Chai shop with at least 3 cups of Chai to catch up on everything.

Evening: Introduction to community members and friends. Welcome them at the Studio.

—visit art galleries, independent bookstores, and any pop-up art installations happening.
Evening: Dinner at an authentic Pakistani restaurant to give them a taste of home flavors. Kabab King or a similar spot would be perfect.

Day 2:
Morning chai then spending the day at my studio in the Artists Precinct – Sawyers Yards where we will visit art studios and show them my work. Evening, Invite community to the studio , indulge into my Kathak ( story telling dance ) dancing skill , make them toss and sing over a bar-b-que and community gathering.

Day 3/ 4/ 5:
Visit to the museums / antique shops / Second Hand Thrift stores and historic sites around for the next few days, trying to squeeze in the best eating places in between to give them the true taste of Houston.

Day 6:
Trip to Galveston and San Antonio to do the same activities there.

Day 7:
A camp fire surrounded by people sharing their lives stories , talk about art & variant cultures and culminate into Community farewell dinner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe much of my progress to the influence of incredible mentors and seniors like Ali Imam himself, Mansoor Aye, Guljee and Ahmed Pervaiz. Their guidance and belief in me were transformative. My journey hasn’t been easy—I’ve faced struggles and even hunger. But as Maula Ali once said, “Hunger sharpens the wit.” That deep yearning—the hunger to create, to grow, and to contribute—still drives me today.
Here of course , I can not forget my very few friends who helped for here I am and specially mention my beloved life partner as lady who always has stood by me partnering fulfill my dreams and moving our family to progress in positive manners that gives my three sons brighter future peruse their desires positively .

Website: https://www.artistriaz.com/, https://riazrafi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafi_riaz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riazrafiart

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Shehzad Chottani (My Social Media Person)

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