For Arif Rafhan, also known as Superdoofoos, art isn’t just a profession but a lifelong journey shaped by family legacy, deep cultural roots, and a love for Malaysian heritage. Over his 17-year career, Arif has forged a unique path that brings traditional art into contemporary digital spaces, creating what he calls “batik-inspired” pieces that captivate both local and international audiences.
Photo and art by Arif Rafhan
Arif’s creative journey began with his father, Othman Mansor, a fine arts lecturer in Ipoh during the 1970s. Tragically, Othman passed away when Arif was just five, leaving behind an invaluable collection of art books and paintings that would shape Arif’s artistic foundation. “I already knew the works of Dali, Buñuel, and Picasso before I could even write,” Arif recalls. Despite an initial detour into the tech industry, he found his way back to his roots, turning his childhood passion into a full-time career.
Though he has explored various art forms, it was a commission to reimagine his graphic novel Reality Bitchslap for an English-language audience that opened Arif’s eyes to batik as a medium for narrative art. Inspired by the intricate floral patterns, symbolic motifs, and vibrant colors characteristic of Malaysian batik, Arif realized that he could weave traditional designs into modern storytelling. “I was thinking of doing a batik spread with the book’s narrative, so I studied the east coast batik patterns, motifs, and compositions,” he explains. “When I presented my first batik-inspired work at a Star Wars fan art event, the response was phenomenal.”
Since then, he has incorporated batik elements into a variety of projects, bringing the ancient art form to new audiences while honoring its cultural significance. However, he is quick to draw a distinction between batik art and his work. He also emphasizes that his art is not a batik itself, it is inspired by it, noting that his goal is not to replicate the tradition but to invite viewers to appreciate its beauty.
Photo and art by Arif Rafhan
Given his journey, Arif mentioned that one of the most influential moments in his career came when he had the opportunity to work with the celebrated Malaysian cartoonist, Lat, the creator of Kampung Boy. As Lat’s inker and colorist for an upcoming graphic novel, Arif absorbed Lat’s wisdom on art and purpose. “Lat always emphasizes the importance of clear intentions in art and to never let negative thoughts interfere with good intentions,” Arif reflects. The experience strengthened his commitment to using art as a medium for positive impact and cultural appreciation.
In 2023, Arif embarked on a groundbreaking project called Hanya Batik, an immersive digital art experience that showcased his batik-inspired works in a virtual environment. When he saw his work in this format, it changed his perception of art’s potential impact. “Technology amplified my art in ways I hadn’t imagined,” he shares, adding that the project garnered heartfelt responses from people who felt a newfound appreciation for batik. The experience solidified Arif’s belief in the power of digital media to honor and extend the reach of traditional art.
Photo and art by Arif Rafhan
Despite the growing recognition of his style, Arif remains focused on his craft rather than public opinion. Inspired by Warhol’s philosophy to “keep making art and not pay attention to what people say,” Arif finds joy in creating art that resonates with himself above all. This approach, grounded in personal integrity, has been key to his success within the Malaysian art scene.
Looking ahead, Arif is eager to explore other traditional Malaysian art forms, particularly Wau, the decorative kite art crafted from colorful paper patterns. Though this exploration may remain more personal than professional, it reflects his dedication to continuously honoring Malaysian traditions. “We have a responsibility to understand and respect the weight of these art forms before interpreting them in new ways,” he advises, encouraging emerging artists to delve into the history of traditional art forms before reshaping them into their own.
Photo from Arif Rafhan
For aspiring artists, Arif’s message is clear, pursue what intrigues you and take time to understand its cultural significance. “Do what intrigues you first, but know the values and history behind it,” he advises. “If we can’t understand the tradition, our interpretation is just a patchwork without depth.”
Through his innovative batik-inspired art, Arif Rafhan bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, inviting viewers to engage with Malaysia’s rich artistic heritage from a fresh and vibrant perspective.