"Print-making is a media of communication and prints are easier to ship overseas than paintings. In my colour compositions I try to bring in my emotions and memories. I believe these feelings are just not exclusively mine but universal. The theme that I've been working on for a while is our progress since the Liberation War. I have elements of both sorrows and joy combined in my work," he says.

Initially sombre browns used to dominate his work, but now he has taken to more cheerful colours. The spontaneous emotions of grieving for his mother, who he says, was like a "sheltering umbrella" to him, were depicted in his works. Now Rafi's mood is more idyllic and joyous. "I've moved away from depression and despair," says Rafi.

In his recent work Childhood memories, the artist has repeatedly brought in the kite motif. "I used to participate in several sports like cricket and football as a child but could never handle kite flying. That childhood craving is apparent in my prints. Apart from that, green fields, ponds and trees are included in my work. When I was a kid, these elements appeared huge to me. I've brought in semi abstract faces of my friends too. My infatuation with a classmate, Shilpi, has been captured in these prints too."

At a Paris triennale, Rafi worked as a commissioner for artists sending their work from Bangladesh. The works at the Paris show were monochrome as they were in dry point.