Leyli Rashidi Rauf (b. 1986, Tehran) is an Iranian artist. Her works explore intimate observations of objects which explores into the subjectivity and objectivity of one’s own existence. Her dark colour palettes and absence of figures in the works explore the complexities of human nature.
Rashidi Rauf creates from observations, portraying the subtle feelings concealed under layers. The psychology of human nature is prevalent in her oeuvre, expressed through figures in a concealed manner or through inanimate objects, focusing on the folds and creases of materials used in everyday life. She reflects on one’s identity and provokes audiences to think about their perspectives of themselves and the world around them.
Rashidi Rauf has had solo exhibitions in Iran, including ‘By Way of Sight’ at Inia Gallery (Tehran, 2022), ‘Hidden’ at Etemad Gallery (Tehran, 2020), ‘Unstable’ at Azad Art Gallery (Tehran, 2015) and participated in group shows such as ‘On Paper’ (Tehran, 2020), ‘Iranian Female Artists in Berlin’ at Weserkunst Gallery (Berlin, Germany, 2019), ‘Deutsche-Persische Begegnung in der Kunst’ at Saulenhalle Landsberg (Munich, Germany, 2018), Art Expo Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, 2017), Artscoops (Beirut, Lebanon, 2017), ‘Portraits’ at Rogue Space Gallery (New York, 2014), Abu Dhabi Art Fair (Abu Dhabi, 2010) and the Paris Contemporary Art Fair (2009).