ReplayRepliy and Tukii in a Visual World Full of Hope
The Jakarta Doodle Fest (JDF), held from November 1 to 3, 2024, at Taman Ismail Marzuki, became a platform for young illustrators to introduce their works to the public. Among the artists who stood out was ReplayRepliy, better known as Refli, who captured attention with his distinctive character art. On the bustling first day of JDF, filled with visual art enthusiasts, Grafis Masa Kini had the chance to dive deeper into ReplayRepliy’s world—listening to his journey of creating a visual world that encapsulates human emotions and fosters hope.
Like many illustrators, Refli’s love for visual art began at a young age. His passion led him to study fine arts at Brawijaya University. However, his career as an illustrator truly started when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing everyone into isolation. “That was when I felt I needed to take illustration more seriously because I genuinely enjoyed the process,” Refli shared. A storyteller at heart, Refli recognized that he wasn't a strong writer, so he turned to visual art to express his experiences and feelings. “Through my work, I want to convey my experiences and emotions,” he added. Consistency was the key to his early steps into the illustration world, eventually leading to opportunities, including collaborations with major brands. “It was then that I felt like this was my path, my career.”
Refli’s journey in illustration has paralleled his search for identity, shaping the visual character of ReplayRepliy. Today, when people talk about ReplayRepliy, they envision vibrant colors, whimsical graphics, and, of course, a recurring rabbit character. It took Refli a long time to discover his unique visual character. “Visual identity takes time, but again, I draw from what’s around me, from things that are close to me,” he explained. His full-time job as a Creative Director for an Indonesian musician has significantly influenced the visual identity of ReplayRepliy. Music, a close companion to Refli, inspires much of his work. As he listens to music, he captures a wide range of emotions, translating these into vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. “My color choices are quite vibrant, representing various emotions, mainly joyful, conveyed from music into my art,” he explained.
In addition to the vibrant colors, Refli developed characters that stem from his inner child. “I created several characters, but I focus mainly on a rabbit named Tukii,” said Refli. The name Tukii was inspired by the Korean word tokki, meaning rabbit, and also by a coffee shop with a similar name where Refli conceived the character. Though Tukii appears differently in each piece, it is a single character that changes colors and shapes based on its emotional state—not just happiness, but also sadness and other complex emotions. “Tukii represents a little soul within me. That’s why it can look sad, happy,” he noted. While his work often showcases vibrant colors and adorable characters, some of ReplayRepliy’s pieces address somber or poignant themes. “One of my works is titled Heirloom Pain, inspired by a song by NIKI. It explores intergenerational trauma, the pain handed down by family,” he shared. According to Refli, without realizing it, certain beliefs are passed down from parents, shaping us but also leaving us without a true sense of ‘home’ or choice. “Through my art, I want people to remember that they have a choice and can break free from such traumas,” he emphasized. Tukii’s presence in his work feels like a warm embrace, offering viewers comfort and hope. Tukii becomes a friend, bringing solace to those who view ReplayRepliy’s art.
Despite his young age, Refli has established his position in the creative industry, collaborating with both fellow artists and prominent brands. “I’ve collaborated with brands like Transjakarta, Kemendikbud, Narasi TV, and a few others,” he noted. For Refli, each collaboration is meaningful, providing lessons that further his artistic growth. He remains open to all kinds of projects, as he doesn’t believe in limiting visual art to specific categories. “By boxing in our art, we can’t expand its reach, yet illustration is so broad. Labeling work as ‘just for children’s books’ or ‘purely fine art’ restricts the artist’s exploration,” he argued. Drawing from his own experience, Refli recounted a unique collaboration with a local sex toy brand. “The original shapes were fascinating—like jellyfish, seahorses—and I tried to create characters from them,” he shared.
Participating in the Jakarta Doodle Fest 2024 also motivated him to keep creating. “I’m thrilled that art markets like this exist, bringing encouragement to people,” Refli said. He added that seeing other illustrators’ work at events like JDF sparks hope for budding artists everywhere. “I genuinely want Indonesian artists to be seen and have their place, and for us working as illustrators to hold onto hope for the future,” he concluded.
With Tukii by his side, ReplayRepliy is more than just an illustrator; he’s a hope for the young generation in the visual arts world. Through his works, Refli invites us to explore the complex depths of human emotions, reminding us that art can be a space for healing, exploration, and hope. As the future of Indonesia’s illustration scene unfolds, artists like Refli continue to inspire, boldly expressing themselves and bringing fresh color to Indonesia’s visual arts landscape.
