Rafael Rodriguez Molina was born in Santa Rosa de Lima, a small town in El Salvador, and raised between the villages of Copetillo and La Joya. He attended schools in Canton Copetillo Caserio La Ermita and Canton La Joya before deciding to leave El Salvador in 2013 in search of safety from the escalating violence. Rafael immigrated to the United States, settling in Maryland, where he enrolled at Northwestern High School. It was during his sophomore year, while taking an Art 1 class, that Rafael discovered his passion for art. This newfound interest led him to become part of the school’s Visual and Performing Arts Program.
In his senior year, Rafael participated in the CreativeWorks job training program at Joe’s Movement Emporium, which further fueled his dedication to the arts. He graduated from Northwestern High School in 2017 and continued his artistic journey as an apprentice at Art on the Block. He later worked as a studio manager, gaining valuable experience in both creating and managing art.
Rafael's artwork reflects his personal experiences as an immigrant, as well as the collective experiences of others who seek better opportunities in the U.S. His work embodies themes of struggle, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. After completing his studies at Montgomery College, Rafael is completing a degree in Studio Art, with a Minor in U.S. Latina/o Studies at University of Maryland.
Currently, Rafael teaches visual art at Joe’s Movement Emporium and maintains a studio at Red Dirt Studios. His goal is to become an art professor and contribute to positive change by using art to empower youth, particularly in his native El Salvador. Rafael continues to create work that addresses immigration injustices, while exploring new artistic forms and techniques.
