The rise of Samael (2009) Painting by Safir & Rifas

Safir (Dorina Pantea) and Rifas (Diana Pantea) are contemporary Romanian artists. Through years of dedicated study at the faculty, master, and Ph.D. levels, they have acquired the experience and values foundational to any artist's growth. Central to their artistic philosophy is the belief that diversity in ideas and concepts is an essential catalyst for the development and introduction of "innovation" in the art world—a belief encapsulated in their conviction that "the image creates the most magnificent cocktail of effect and sensation."

Both professionally trained and educated in both traditional and digital art, Safir and Rifas emphasize the perpetual learning process. They ardently embrace the idea that there are always new things to explore and master, welcoming opportunities for continuous artistic development.

The artistic duo envisions bringing new values to the forefront of their creations—values defined by the presence of diversity and originality in their ideas and artworks, designed not only to be feasible but also to have a massive impact. Their artistic repertoire spans across various mediums, encompassing traditional painting in both figurative and abstract forms, original concepts, photography, photo-manipulation, and digital art.

One notable facet of their artistic expression is found in mixed-technique paintings, where the duo seamlessly combines different materials and textures such as cloth, cardboard, plywood, crystals, and pulp color. These elements are skillfully integrated into the coherent compositional structure of their artworks. The result is a visual dialogue that allows for the free flow evolution and informal gestures, simultaneously stimulating disintegrative forces and clarifying forms of human traits. The wandering spirits in their creations push the boundaries of a symbolic dialogue with the audience.

Safir and Rifas delve into a broad spectrum of themes, addressing psychological, philosophical, mystical, mythological, fantastic, romantic, literary, mathematical, and metaphorical visions prior to painting. Through metamorphosis and anamorphosis, they navigate the transition from figurative to abstract images, from the real to the imaginary. In doing so, their artistic substrate engages in a multifaceted exploration that captivates the audience's imagination and invites contemplation on diverse facets of the human experience.

• Nationality: ROMANIA
• Date of birth : 1983
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Romanian Contemporary Artists