Karakouz Exhibition at Mark Hachem Gallery

The Mark Hachem Gallery is hosting an exhibition called “Karakouz” showcasing the contemporary artworks of Lebanese artist Raouf Rifai. “Karakouz” portrays Middle-Eastern society and it’s colorful characters. The exhibition plays heavily on double meanings, puns, humor, irony, exaggeration and ridicule to expose and criticize people’s vices, particularly in the arena of politics.

“Karakouz” is a theatrical genre satire of shadows, directly inspired by today’s political currents and events. Rifai’s keen diligence has created an ambience of camaraderie, where in reality the crux of the matter is a prodding commentary of the Middle-East’s social and political conundrum. Rifai has the ability to give the subjects he paints the power of transience and metamorphosis.