However, amidst these challenges, numerous individuals actively strive to spread messages of love to the global community. 

Such is the case with Andi Rharharha, a talented street artist originally from Jakarta who has now made Bali his home. Andi Rharharha has become a prominent figure in the world of urban art, thanks to his captivating and thought-provoking art project known as BOMBDALOVE.

BOMBDALOVE burst onto the scene in the early months of 2015, and it has since left an indelible mark on the streets of Jakarta. This movement transcends the conventional boundaries of art, as it leverages the streets and public spaces as a canvas for its powerful expressions. Through BOMBDALOVE, Andi Rharharha encourages people to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of urban life, using these spaces as a means to engage directly with the world around them and gain a deeper understanding of life’s intricate complexities.

At the heart of BOMBDALOVE lies a powerful symbol: the universal emblem of love. Andi Rharharha ingeniously employs this symbol to convey a message of love, unity, and shared humanity. The BOMBDALOVE icon has, over the years, become synonymous with the idea of love transcending all barriers and boundaries, and it has sparked conversations and contemplation among those who encounter it on the streets of Jakarta.

Now, let’s delve deeper into the mind behind this captivating movement. It’s time to hear from the person who breathes life into BOMBDALOVE, Andi Rharharha, and discover the inspirations, motivations, and aspirations that drive his artistic journey.

Hello Andi, the first thing I want to ask is, what is the philosophy of the BOMBDALOVE icon?  

You enter BOMBDALOVE – Spread The Love. So the idea is to spread the visual image of love. How to create signifier and signified as the concept of visual semiotics by creating a simple universal sign/symbol, which is BOMBDALOVE as a visual propaganda of BOMBDALOVE: Propaganda of love. 

Many also ask the meaning of your nickname, Andi Rharharha. Does Rharharha have a meaning?  

RRRespect Man, it’s about Respect. RHARHARHA is like a vibrator vibrating in the recesses of lonely souls (laughs).  

Can you tell us what made you move from Jakarta to Bali?   

Bali is The Healing Island. Everyone is still healing from things they don’t speak about. Relaxation after daily activities.  

You began your artistic journey from the streets and spread the message of BOMBDALOVE on the streets. Do you believe many people have grasped the message of love that BOMBDALOVE conveys? 

BOMBDALOVE, as a sign or symbol of street propaganda, succeeded in pissing on and marking public space with media stickers, posters, murals, etc. 

You also often hold theatrical performances directly in front of the audience. What are the messages you usually convey in theatrical performances?  

The body as a medium that can express itself to maintain sanity by finding alternatives to human insanity in the realism of a chaotic world. 

You also often make “Tape Art” or artwork from duct tape. Can you explain?  

The beginning of RHARHARHA Tape Art used duct tape to convey a socio-political message that I executed by duct taping on the asphalt of the streets in Jakarta. I was the first person in Indonesia to use the asphalt surface of the streets as a canvas to create art using duct tape. I’m getting cocky (laughs). 

In 2012, together with the RELAX MAN team, I received a MURI record award for making Duct Tape Art on a 570 M long floor, spending 3,400 duct tapes. It was the PPKI (Indonesian Creative Product Week) event in the Epicentrum area of Jakarta. 

Throughout your artistic journey, what has been the most memorable thing up until now?   

With duct tape, I worked on the asphalt of the streets in Jakarta along Sarinah, Sudirman Thamrin, Bundaran HI, and in front of the State Palace, I have used duct tape. 

I was once bandaged when I did a theatrical art with Duct Tape at the Demonstration and I got beaten up. (laughs)  

Messages from Andi Rharharha for young artists in Indonesia and Bali in particular. 

When you are down and in your lowest phase, use your talent to get up! Work first and then style. Keep working, the generation after me will handle the control of this world with their mind and artwork! 

Please Check Andi Rharharha’s Instagram : @bombdalove