Scratches of the Referral

KOMPAS/CORNELIUS HELMY

Muhamad Syamsul Fahmi

The scrawls of Muhamad Syamsul Fahmi, 42, are known worldwide. His "custom paintings" are loved by many custom culture worshipers. However, all that does not satisfy him. He wants to take a new generation of artists from Bandung, West Java, and enter the world of custom culture.

After dipping it in enamel paint, the special brush number three that Fahmi held started dancing on a black flame-patterned helmet. One by one, the words are combined with pinstriping and lettering techniques, giving rise to the sentence ordered by the helmet’s owner: "God Forgive, Brotherhood Doesn\'t.”

"Cadas, describing the character of the owner of this helmet," Fahmi said in Bandung on Jan 8. (8/1/2020)

Pinstriping and lettering are believed to have started hundreds of years ago. The traces of lines and beautiful writings are on Roman chariots to royal chariots in Indonesia. Post-World War II, this technique again became popular in line with the wave of custom culture in the United States, namely the trend of modifying motorized vehicles that is combined with art and fashion.

Its translations can be in the form of different motorized vehicles, different ornaments, fashion clothes and hair, to different music genres. In essence, all of that is a representation of freedom and the personality of the custom culture bearer.

In Indonesia, Fahmi has long been a part of custom culture. He is now considered an Indonesian referral custom painter. His work is used by custom culture bearers at home and abroad.

KOMPAS/CORNELIUS HELMY

Muhamad Syamsul Fahmi

When Fahmi began to popularize his work in the early 2000s, custom painting was not as popular as now. His bold and sparkling colorful works were not in demand. Several times he promoted the work to modification workshops, but was often rejected.

"Previously, I promoted my work via my own motorbike tank. Even though there were already results, they were still largely rejected," Fahmi said.

He met an open road at the prestigious Nusantara motorcycle event in 2003. At that time, he came to see a motorcycle modification contest.

"After I noticed, the quality of the paint and pictures on the first prize motorbike was standard. I believed I could make it better," he said.

He then met the owner of a motorcycle who became champion. Fahmi offered his design concept. The owner of the motorbike was interested, but gave a condition: Fahmi had to make pinstriping, just like the motorbike in an overseas modification magazine he had seen.

Fahmi agreed, even though at that time, he did not have a special brush and paint. He carried out the project at home, in a room measuring 2 meters by 3 m. As a result, he was able to create works that immediately became popular not only in Bandung, but also in other regions. From there, people began to be interested in his work.

Yokohama

In 2003, Fahmi founded Freeflow, a studio that also functions as a custom painting workshop in Bandung. The workshop continues to grow until now. Last year, Freeflow worked on dozens of orders from Malaysia and Singapore.

"The average workmanship takes two to three months. It costs between Rp 500,000 (US$36.60) and Rp 30 million per piece," said Fahmi, who is assisted by five colleagues.

Fahmi\'s works finally took him to the 2015 Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show, one of the most prestigious automotive events in the world. He showed off his skateboard with custom paintings that combined three different motifs, Indonesia’s Balinese barong, Japanese kabuki masks and dragon icons. He was named the winner by Steve Caballero, a famous skater and modifier from the US.

KOMPAS?CORNELIUS HELMY

Muhamad Syamsul Fahmi

In 2019, at a similar event, he again made a breakthrough. Together with Queen Lekha Choppers, Fahmi made 10 archipelago-inspired designs, including batik motifs, on a large motorcycle body. To draw the batik motifs, he used a canting (spouted bowl). As a result, the motorbike named Garuda received appreciation from modifiers and makers of custom motorcycles.

The work has been referred to as a typical Indonesian painting.

"Of course I was proud it was considered Indonesian-style, even though after that I went straight to the doctor. Until now, my shoulder still hurts because of working on these motives," he said, laughing.

This year, it is turn for the US, where custom culture is thriving, to invite him. Early February, he will participate in the Saint Louis Cycle Showcase. However, because the invitation is very tight, he will only send his work on his helmet there.

In September, he will attend the 2020 Brushmasters Getaway in Paonia, Colorado. He will be the second person from outside the US to be a speaker at the event. Last year, there was a speaker from Japan.

"They seem to want to know a lot about Indonesia. This is a great opportunity to talk in the country of origin of culture costumes," he said.

There also will be a Dip \'n Drag event, which, according to the plan, will be held for the second time in early March this year in Bandung. As one of the pioneers, he felt he had to take responsibility in assisting young colleagues in pursuing a career in the custom world.

So far, Fahmi has actively shared his knowledge with young custom painting artists in Bandung. According to him, the number of young custom painting artists in Indonesia is plentiful and have exceptional quality of work. However, they still have weaknesses, such as not being able to sell their work and build a better image.

Therefore, he feels responsible for taking them to the world of custom culture. He also shares knowledge and experience with them through discussions.

He is also keen to introduce the world of custom culture to a number of formal schools in Bandung to enable the custom world to further grow.

KOMPAS/CORNELIUS HELMY

Muhamad Syamsul Fahmi

Muhamad Syamsul Fahmi

Born: Bandung, 26 Juli 1977