'This project is a new challenge for me compared to other batik art initiatives – I've never worked on this scale before,' says Arif about the digital art project 'Hanya Batik', set to open at the RXP.KL digital theatre space next month. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli
Award-winning comic book artist and illustrator Arif Rafhan Othman, also known as Superdoofus, is set to take his artwork to the big screen with an upcoming digital art production.
The new project, titled Hanya Batik, will premiere at the REXPERIENCE (RXP.KL) digital art theatre in REXKL, Jalan Sultan in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 9.
The new work is part of RXP.KL's third season of digital art exhibitions, titled "Twilight," and will run through February 2025.
Hanya Batik, inspired by Arif’s digital batik prints (notably, his Star Wars tributes) and paintings, tells the story of Malaysia with a contemporary twist.
This locally produced digital showcase by RXP.KL features Arif teaming up with multimedia designer Fahmi Hosnan, music producer Bo Amir Iqram (Cuurley), and 3D model designer Ian Kit.
"This project is a new challenge for me compared to other batik art initiatives – I've never worked on this scale before. As an immersive show, I had to quickly grasp the technical aspects of the medium before I could determine how to effectively present the narrative," says Arif, who operates from his home studio in Jenjarom, Selangor.
A preview of the 'Hanya Batik' digital art show, featuring Arif's striking digital batik art style and storytelling. Photo: RXP.KL
The 47-year-old artist reflects on the intensity of the project and the effort required to learn about local history to accurately create this new digital work.
"I spent much of my time revisiting Malaysian history to ensure the design and elements were historically accurate. Although the approach is similar to my Star Wars batik work – stylising the subject with batik’s traditional designs and digitally simulating batik techniques like melted wax movement and dye blending – the focus here is on capturing the essence of local history," he says.
The Hanya Batik production, running approximately 15 minutes, incorporates a range of elements, from depictions of traditional and urban daily life to animated sequences highlighting pivotal Malaysian historical events, such as the establishment of the Malacca Sultanate.
Hanya Batik joins the upcoming season at RXP.KL alongside two French-inspired digital productions, Geometry Of Emotion and Escape.
In May this year, Arif and Singaporean writer Melanie Lee won the middle grade category at the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award in Singapore for their book Amazing Ash & Superhero Ah Ma 2: Coming Of Age (2022).
