Toofan Rafai

Born in the village of Amreli in Gujarat, Toofan Rafai pursued his passion for art to Mumbai where he completed his Diploma in Painting from the Sir J J School of Arts in 1955. Interested in vegetable dyes, Rafai is credited with the discovery and formulation of around 300 dyes. Rafai credited Mahatma Gandhi and his preaching of a simple life for his own fascination with vegetable dyes.A prolific artist, Rafai also served as the Assistant Director at the Weavers’ Service Centre from 1960-1979 and was a consultant of natural dyes and printing at the National Institute of Design and the Self-Employed Women’s Association. Rafai was also a founding member of the Art Council of Indian Artists in New Delhi. 

His exhibit with us is are three mixed media on canvas made in 1955, 1987 and 2004/05.