My art is contemporary African art inspired by my country, Burkina Faso, and Africa in general. Through my art, I want to share the rich and impressive history and culture of West Africa. The shapes of my sculptures, furniture and decorative objects are inspired by words, stories, fables and situations that come into my mind, and my culture. By the magic of bending, grinding and welding, I try to give these inspirations a form, an expression and a touch of life so when I get lost in a deep contemplation, I feel like they are living.

Rabi Sanfo, a Burkina Faso native, immigrated to Minneapolis in 2004. Since then, he has put his welding background to use by creating metal sculptures. Although his artistic techniques have evolved over the years, the core theme of his work remains: to share the history and culture of his native Burkina Faso. Sanfo has received numerous awards at juried exhibits and art festivals. He also supports local organizations by donating many pieces a year for fundraising events. Sanfo lives and works in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District.

Rabi is from the Mossi ethnic group. More specifically, he's from the Yarse tribe. The young people of the Yarse are called Yarbi, thus Yarbi Design. He'll always be a Yarbi to his elders, and one day, he'll be a Yarse to folks younger than him.

KFAI
Rabi was interviewed during Art Matters (April 22, 2010).

Star Tribune
Rabi was featured in the "Foot in the Door 4" photo gallery by Tom Wallace (February 4, 2010).

Southwest Review News
"Artful ant calls SSP home" by Cody Zustiak (July 26, 2009).

Downtown Journal
"Turning scrap into art" by Carly Reynolds (July 22, 2009).

3-Minute Egg
Rabi was featured on the 3 Minute Egg during Art-A-Whirl (May 16, 2009).

MinnPost
"Rabi Sanfo's sculptural metalwork pays homage to his West African roots" by Susannah Schouweiler (March 27, 2009).

KFAI
Rabi was interviewed during African Rhythms (March 26, 2009).

Mshale
"Burkinabé Artist Finds Talent in Sculpting" by Helen Kinuthia (October 31, 2008).

Recycling Today
"The Art of Reuse" (July 26, 2007).

The Wake
"The Spiritual Art of Northeast Minneapolis" (April 11, 2007).

Merit Award; “Cain and Abel”
10th Annual Spiritual Art Show, Minneapolis, MN; 3/10

Award of Excellence – Metal
Art Fair on the Square, Forest Lake, IL; 9/09

First Place Award; “Chronicles of a Warrior”
American Iron 9th Annual “Art of Recycling” Contest, Minneapolis, MN; 7/09

Merit Award; “True Forgiveness”
9th Annual Spiritual Art Show, Minneapolis, MN; 3/09

Second Place Award, People’s Choice Award and Scrappy’s Award: Small Sculpture Category; “Armageddon: The Last Stand”
American Iron 8th Annual “Art of Recycling” Contest, Minneapolis, MN; 7/08

People’s Choice Award: Honorable Mention; “Rémanence II”
NEMAA Fall Fine Arts Show, Minneapolis, MN; 11/07

First Place Award; “Lost Battle”
The FIGURE Show, Lake Elmo Regional Art Center, Lake Elmo, MN; 9/07

Invitational Award
Powderhorn Art Fair, Minneapolis, MN; 8/07

First Place Award: Small Sculpture Category; “Mother Earth: What Have You Become?”
American Iron 7th Annual “Art of Recycling” Contest, Minneapolis, MN; 7/07

First Place Award; “You of Little Faith”
7th Annual Spiritual Art Festival & Juried Art Show, Minneapolis, MN; 3/07

Invitational Award
Powderhorn Art Fair Community Showcase, Minneapolis, MN; 8/06

Honorable Mention and Scrappy Award: Large Sculpture Category; “Rain Mask”
American Iron 6th Annual “Art of Recycling” Contest, Minneapolis, MN; 7/06