Teresa Rafidi
Teresa Rafidi photographs in ordinary places, shifting attention away from the subject matter and redirecting the focus. Her images illuminate the space and hint of a figurative presence not always seen. Traces are apparent with scrutiny as the absence unfolds. The work engages a sense of altered reality bathed in soft light to create a quiet image. She uses light as her theme, revealing subtle fragments of perception and the visceral pleasures of experiencing a particular moment.
Teresa lives and works in Dallas, Texas and received her BFA from Southern Methodist University. She works as a full-time photographer and teaches photography at the college level, in addition to giving private photography lessons. Teresa has received various awards for her work and her art has been exhibited nationally and internationally.
Artist Statement
A familiar space stirs the memory, unraveling sensations of desire and longing. Light illuminates the space, yet there is something else. A faint figure suggests a sense of presence emanating from another reality or consciousness. As the perception shifts, an ambiguity dissolves before our eyes, drawing us closer to the uncertainty that lies behind the light. In this dream-like state, we connect with the past, experiencing those forgotten moments that shaped who we are. We contemplate our presence in this place then and now, and reflect on the fragility of our existence.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
BFA, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
Solo Exhibitions
2006 School Days, Mountain View College, Dallas, TX
Apartment 3, Hallway Series, The Dallas Contemporary, Dallas, TX
2005 Other Rooms, Tarrant County College NE Campus, Hurst, TX
2004 Other Rooms, University of San Augustine, Arequipa, Peru
1999 Surface and Light, Brookhaven College, Dallas, TX
1997 Photographs, Cedar Valley College, Dallas, TX
Two and Three Person Exhibitions
2012 Once and Again: Teresa Rafidi, Linda Ridgway and Rebecca Carter, Brand 10 art space, Ft. Worth, TX
Developed Over Time: The Brief Dialogue of Two Artists, Teresa Rafidi and Ben Bascombe, Cedar Valley College, Lancaster, TX
2009 Presence: Teresa Rafidi, Rene Francisco and Florencia Levy, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
Selected Group Exhibitions (2015-2005)
2015 Thin Line Festival Featured Artist, Banter, Denton, TX
2014 CO-Action, 500X Dallas, TX
2013 Joyce Elaine Grant Photography Exhibition, TWU, Denton, TX; juried
Sarah Kennel, Associate Curator, Department of Photographs, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
2012 AutoVista, Carillon Gallery, TCC South in Ft Worth, TX
Fountainhead, The Art Foundation, Dallas, TX
Experiencing Percepectives IV, Mercedes Benz Financial, Ft Worth, TX
2011 EXPO 2011, 500X, Dallas, TX; juried by Marty Walker, Owner, Marty Walker Gallery
Experiencing Percepectives III, Mercedes Benz Financial, Ft Worth, TX
2010 Living Room, Community Partner Response, Center for Creative Connections, Dallas
Museum of Art, a collaborative effort of faculty and alumni of the Division of Art and the Center for Creative Computation, of the Meadows School of the Arts, at Southern Methodist University (SMU): Susan Barnett, Michael Corris, Ira Greenberg, Tom
Lauerman, Teresa Rafidi, James Sullivan and Martin Sweidel, Dallas, TX
Fotofest: ASMP Texas Works, Lousiana Lobby, Houston, TX; juried by Clint Willour, Curator of the Galveston Arts Center
5×7 Art Exhibition, Arthouse at the Jones Center, (also in 2009-2003), Austin, TX
2009 Wish! Exhibit & Silent Auction, (also in 2005-2008) The Dallas Contemporary, Dallas, TX
2008 Transitions: Cantanker Issue 6, Big Medium, Austin, TX; juried by Leona Scull-Hons, independent curator
The 26th Annual Art in the Metroplex, TCU, Fort Worth, TX; juried by Michael Duncan, corresponding editor for Art in America
30 Years, 30 Artists, BHC School of the Arts Alumni 1978-2008, Brookhaven College, Dallas, TX
Fotofest:Transformations, Kingwood Gallery, juror Clint Willour, Kingwood, TX
Toledo Friends of Photography, Visual Art Center, juror Todd Hido, Toledo, OH
BHC School of the Arts Alumni 1978-2008, Brookhaven College, Dallas, TX
2007 Art in the Metroplex, Templeton Art Center, juror Michael Duncan, Fort Worth, TX
24 Hr Art Blast, The Dallas Contemporary, Dallas, TX
2006 Snap to Grid, Los Angeles Center for Digital Arts, (also in 2005) Los Angeles, CA
Art in the Metroplex, Templeton Art Center, juror Janet Bishop, FT. Worth, TX
New Texas Talent XIII, Craighead-Green Gallery, juror Clint Willour, Dallas, TX
Critic’s Choice, The Dallas Contemporary, Dallas, TX
Toledo Friends of Photography, Visual Art Center, juror Kathy Vargas, Toledo, OH
Wish! Exhibit & Silent Auction,(also in 2005) The Dallas Contemporary, Dallas, TX
2005 Works on Paper, Fort Worth Community Arts Center, Ft. Worth, TX
National Juried Gallery Show, Washington Gallery of Photography, Bethesda, MD
Project Storm, benefiting Katrina victims, Mackey Gallery, Houston, TX
Masters’ Mystery Art Show, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Art in the Metroplex, Templeton Art Center, juror James Elaine, Forth Worth, TX
Zodiac Signs, McKinney Avenue Contemporary, Dallas, TX
New Texas Talent XII, Craighead-Green Gallery, juror Nancy Cohen Isreal,Dallas,TX
Critic’s Choice, The Dallas Contemporary, Dallas, TX
Illuminance, Buddy Holly Center, juror Keith Carter, Lubbock, TX
Selected Bibliography
2005 Terranova, Charissa. ”New Texas Talent XII”, The Dallas Observer, Culture, Aug. 8, 2005
2000 “Departure/Return,” The Dallas Observer, Culture, Oct .20, 2000.
Daniels. Mike. “Departure/Return,” Dallas Morning News Oct. 27, 2000.
1999 Kutner, Janet. ”Beyond the Lens’ at Pillsbury and Peters”, Dallas Morning News, Today Section, 8C, Oct. 1999
Shortal, H.M. “Beyond the Lens”, The Met, p.34. Oct. 28, 1999.
Newman, David. “Photographs: Surface and Light”, Curator’s Essay, March 1999.
Mitchell, Charles. ”The Fall Art Scene”, Paper City, Sep. 1999.
1998 Daniel, Mike. “New developments at UTD”, Dallas Morning News, The Guide, p.55, Nov. 13, 1998.
Sime, Tom. “In the Hands of Artists, Camera Tweak Reality”, Dallas Morning News, Today Section 5, Oct. 30,1998.
Cuellar, Catherine. ”Tenants are at home making art”, Dallas Morning News, Mar 7 1998.
1997 Peppard, Alan. “The Young at Art”, Dallas Morning News, Today Sec. 17A, Feb. 3,1997
Kutner, Janet. “Artworks Poke Fun at their Antecedents”, Dallas Morning News, Art Section, Feb. 23, 1997.
Awards/ Scholarships/ Fellowships
2006 Claud Vance Memorial Award, 24th Art in the Metroplex, Templeton Art Center, juror Janet Bishop, Fort Worth, TX
2005 Honorable Mention, International Photography Awards, Los Angeles, CA
2004 Eligible Nomination for Texas Prize 2005, Austin TX
Honorable Mention, Mountain View College, Dallas, TX
1996 Photography Studio Assistant, Peters Valley Craft Center, Layton, NJ
1995 Dan Wingren Award, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
Mary C. B. Jones Award, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
1994-95 Robert Zelle Award, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
Teresa Rafidi photographs in ordinary places, shifting attention away from the subject matter and redirecting the focus. Her images illuminate the space and hint of a figurative presence not always seen. Traces are apparent with scrutiny as the absence unfolds. The work engages a sense of altered reality bathed in soft light to create a quiet image. She uses light as her theme, revealing subtle fragments of perception and the visceral pleasures of experiencing a particular moment.
Teresa lives and works in Dallas, Texas and received her BFA from Southern Methodist University. She works as a full-time photographer and teaches photography at the college level, in addition to giving private photography lessons. Teresa has received various awards for her work and her art has been exhibited nationally and internationally.
Artist Statement
A familiar space stirs the memory, unraveling sensations of desire and longing. Light illuminates the space, yet there is something else. A faint figure suggests a sense of presence emanating from another reality or consciousness. As the perception shifts, an ambiguity dissolves before our eyes, drawing us closer to the uncertainty that lies behind the light. In this dream-like state, we connect with the past, experiencing those forgotten moments that shaped who we are. We contemplate our presence in this place then and now, and reflect on the fragility of our existence.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
BFA, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
Solo Exhibitions
2006 School Days, Mountain View College, Dallas, TX
Apartment 3, Hallway Series, The Dallas Contemporary, Dallas, TX
2005 Other Rooms, Tarrant County College NE Campus, Hurst, TX
2004 Other Rooms, University of San Augustine, Arequipa, Peru
1999 Surface and Light, Brookhaven College, Dallas, TX
1997 Photographs, Cedar Valley College, Dallas, TX
Two and Three Person Exhibitions
2012 Once and Again: Teresa Rafidi, Linda Ridgway and Rebecca Carter, Brand 10 art space, Ft. Worth, TX
Developed Over Time: The Brief Dialogue of Two Artists, Teresa Rafidi and Ben Bascombe, Cedar Valley College, Lancaster, TX
2009 Presence: Teresa Rafidi, Rene Francisco and Florencia Levy, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
Selected Group Exhibitions (2015-2005)
2015 Thin Line Festival Featured Artist, Banter, Denton, TX
2014 CO-Action, 500X Dallas, TX
2013 Joyce Elaine Grant Photography Exhibition, TWU, Denton, TX; juried
Sarah Kennel, Associate Curator, Department of Photographs, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
2012 AutoVista, Carillon Gallery, TCC South in Ft Worth, TX
Fountainhead, The Art Foundation, Dallas, TX
Experiencing Percepectives IV, Mercedes Benz Financial, Ft Worth, TX
2011 EXPO 2011, 500X, Dallas, TX; juried by Marty Walker, Owner, Marty Walker Gallery
Experiencing Percepectives III, Mercedes Benz Financial, Ft Worth, TX
2010 Living Room, Community Partner Response, Center for Creative Connections, Dallas
Museum of Art, a collaborative effort of faculty and alumni of the Division of Art and the Center for Creative Computation, of the Meadows School of the Arts, at Southern Methodist University (SMU): Susan Barnett, Michael Corris, Ira Greenberg, Tom
Lauerman, Teresa Rafidi, James Sullivan and Martin Sweidel, Dallas, TX
Fotofest: ASMP Texas Works, Lousiana Lobby, Houston, TX; juried by Clint Willour, Curator of the Galveston Arts Center
5×7 Art Exhibition, Arthouse at the Jones Center, (also in 2009-2003), Austin, TX
2009 Wish! Exhibit & Silent Auction, (also in 2005-2008) The Dallas Contemporary, Dallas, TX
2008 Transitions: Cantanker Issue 6, Big Medium, Austin, TX; juried by Leona Scull-Hons, independent curator
The 26th Annual Art in the Metroplex, TCU, Fort Worth, TX; juried by Michael Duncan, corresponding editor for Art in America
30 Years, 30 Artists, BHC School of the Arts Alumni 1978-2008, Brookhaven College, Dallas, TX
Fotofest:Transformations, Kingwood Gallery, juror Clint Willour, Kingwood, TX
Toledo Friends of Photography, Visual Art Center, juror Todd Hido, Toledo, OH
BHC School of the Arts Alumni 1978-2008, Brookhaven College, Dallas, TX
2007 Art in the Metroplex, Templeton Art Center, juror Michael Duncan, Fort Worth, TX
24 Hr Art Blast, The Dallas Contemporary, Dallas, TX
2006 Snap to Grid, Los Angeles Center for Digital Arts, (also in 2005) Los Angeles, CA
Art in the Metroplex, Templeton Art Center, juror Janet Bishop, FT. Worth, TX
New Texas Talent XIII, Craighead-Green Gallery, juror Clint Willour, Dallas, TX
Critic’s Choice, The Dallas Contemporary, Dallas, TX
Toledo Friends of Photography, Visual Art Center, juror Kathy Vargas, Toledo, OH
Wish! Exhibit & Silent Auction,(also in 2005) The Dallas Contemporary, Dallas, TX
2005 Works on Paper, Fort Worth Community Arts Center, Ft. Worth, TX
National Juried Gallery Show, Washington Gallery of Photography, Bethesda, MD
Project Storm, benefiting Katrina victims, Mackey Gallery, Houston, TX
Masters’ Mystery Art Show, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Art in the Metroplex, Templeton Art Center, juror James Elaine, Forth Worth, TX
Zodiac Signs, McKinney Avenue Contemporary, Dallas, TX
New Texas Talent XII, Craighead-Green Gallery, juror Nancy Cohen Isreal,Dallas,TX
Critic’s Choice, The Dallas Contemporary, Dallas, TX
Illuminance, Buddy Holly Center, juror Keith Carter, Lubbock, TX
Selected Bibliography
2005 Terranova, Charissa. ”New Texas Talent XII”, The Dallas Observer, Culture, Aug. 8, 2005
2000 “Departure/Return,” The Dallas Observer, Culture, Oct .20, 2000.
Daniels. Mike. “Departure/Return,” Dallas Morning News Oct. 27, 2000.
1999 Kutner, Janet. ”Beyond the Lens’ at Pillsbury and Peters”, Dallas Morning News, Today Section, 8C, Oct. 1999
Shortal, H.M. “Beyond the Lens”, The Met, p.34. Oct. 28, 1999.
Newman, David. “Photographs: Surface and Light”, Curator’s Essay, March 1999.
Mitchell, Charles. ”The Fall Art Scene”, Paper City, Sep. 1999.
1998 Daniel, Mike. “New developments at UTD”, Dallas Morning News, The Guide, p.55, Nov. 13, 1998.
Sime, Tom. “In the Hands of Artists, Camera Tweak Reality”, Dallas Morning News, Today Section 5, Oct. 30,1998.
Cuellar, Catherine. ”Tenants are at home making art”, Dallas Morning News, Mar 7 1998.
1997 Peppard, Alan. “The Young at Art”, Dallas Morning News, Today Sec. 17A, Feb. 3,1997
Kutner, Janet. “Artworks Poke Fun at their Antecedents”, Dallas Morning News, Art Section, Feb. 23, 1997.
Awards/ Scholarships/ Fellowships
2006 Claud Vance Memorial Award, 24th Art in the Metroplex, Templeton Art Center, juror Janet Bishop, Fort Worth, TX
2005 Honorable Mention, International Photography Awards, Los Angeles, CA
2004 Eligible Nomination for Texas Prize 2005, Austin TX
Honorable Mention, Mountain View College, Dallas, TX
1996 Photography Studio Assistant, Peters Valley Craft Center, Layton, NJ
1995 Dan Wingren Award, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
Mary C. B. Jones Award, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
1994-95 Robert Zelle Award, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
