Rafa Nasiri was born in Iraq (1940). studied painting in the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad (1956-1959) and printmaking in the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Peking (1959-1963). He was granted a scholarship from Gulbenkian Foundation to (Gravura) Lisbon (1967-1969). He held a large number of one man shows in Baghdad, Hong Kong, Beirut, Kuwait, Casablanca, Paris, Amman, Beijing, Manama, Sharjah, Dubai, Damascus and Kampen (Germany). He took part in international exhibitions in Germany, Belgium, Yugoslavia, Poland, England, Norway, India, Brazil, France, South Korea, Egypt and Switzerland (1965- 2006). A winner of several international prizes: Honor prize from the International Summer Academy- Salzburg (1974). The jury prize from the International Painting Exhibition- Cagnes-sur-Mer (1977). Honor prize from the fourth International Graphic Biennale- Fredrikstad (1978). First prize from Baghdad International Festival of Art (1986). Took part as jury member for international exhibitions in London (1980) Paris (1982) Berlin (1987) Fredrikstad (1995) Cairo (1997). Published two books: "Contemporary Graphic Art" 1997, and " Horizons and Mirrors - essays on plastic art" 2005. Some of his art works are owned by Arab and international museums and establishments. He is now a full-time artist residing in Amman- Jordan.