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How did your life as an artist begin?

I think it was back when I was a kid, I used to draw on the wall of my house, doodling on my book and stuff. That’s the beginning of everything. Always into art from the beginning, then back in my senior high I used to vandalize [tag] my high-school gang, on the bus, on the street, and even in the “enemy” territory, the stupid old days for sure. Then I decided to go to a visual and communication design university, where I got my eyes opened for art and design. I think I’d be an artist for my idealism, and I’d be a designer for commercial stuff, but I can be both.

Is there a meaning behind the name Darbotz?

Actually Darbotz is my teacher’s nickname, my friends always bully me with that name ‘cause I have the same name. Bot stands for botak, it’s ‘bald’ in English. I began to get that name in high-school.

Are you part of any crew?

I’m a lone ranger.

I noticed that Jakarta is heavily painted, what is the graffiti scene like over there?

It started like the year of 2004. Me and my friend made some sort of website called tembokbomber.com, and it’s booming ‘til now, even though it’s now kinda slowing down.

It’s really easy to paint in Jakarta. Lots of walls and because of that it’s hard to find good spots now. Some police just don’t give a shit about us. Maybe because graffiti is still new here, I don’t know what will happen next. 

Do you think that Jakarta has a unique style in street art? For example, can you easily recognize artworks by Indonesian street and graffiti artists when you see them?

Some yeah, some not. Wormo from Toter has some unique style and is easily recognized. Graver from Philipines has some unique style also. We still don’t have our own “Indonesian” style I think. We still look to the US or EU.

Describe your style…

Twisted/black/raw/graphic/giant monster.

Now that you are creating a lot of other artworks in new media do you still have time for graffiti?

Yes, but not like I used to. I’m still gonna paint on the street as much as I can do, the feel is different.
 
What are some of the collaborations that you have done and do you have any new ones coming up?

I’ve done a lot of collaborations with local brands/stores, and some foreign brands. The newest one is going to be a collaboration with a foreign store. Can’t wait for this, looking forward to going to Europe!

Tell me about your influences?

Kaws and Futura will always be my inspiration, they take graffiti to another level. Giant monster movies, zombie movies, stupid b-movies inspire me a lot. Also got influences from MF Doom. I love alter egos, I love people in disguise.

Is there a particular artist or artists who you learnt from early on in your career?

It’s gotta be Aram aka Wormo, Graver, Kims, Artcoholic crew, Nsane and all other people who build together the scene in Jakarta.

If you could collaborate with any artist living or dead who would it be?

Definitely Kaws! Or maybe Neckface and Terry Richardson.

What is next for Darbotz?

Toys project/apparel/solo exhibition/wait and see…

For more on the creative monster that is Darbotz get familiar at his website.


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