A Glimpse into Moluccan History
Uncover the narrative behind BAHAYA [ba-ha-ja], a unique tribute to Moluccan culture and history. Bahaya isn't just a word; it's a powerful exclamation in Moluccan tradition, expressing enthusiasm and admiration, akin to 'awesome' or 'cool.'
The name itself literally translates to 'danger(ous).' Faris, the creative mind behind Bahaya, is based in Rotterdam, raised in Tilburg as a third-generation Moluccan with a Moluccan mother and Dutch father. In addition to his work as a freelance illustrator under the name Refreshh, he is the visionary behind BAHAYA.
In 2009, during his final year at the Communication & Multimedia Design program in Breda, Faris' interest in his Moluccan roots awakened. This passion led to the launch of 'Bahaya clothing,' featuring a sold-out series of T-shirts characterized by abstract, impressive Maluku-style typography.
After numerous projects, Bahaya entered a new era with a completely revamped style. A fresh logo and a new concept came to life after in-depth research, sketching, and digitalization. For two years, Faris delved into archives, read books, engaged in conversations, and consulted experts.
The culmination of this process is the "Van kust tot kade" poster series, paying tribute to the arrival and sacrifices of Moluccan families in the Netherlands in 1951.
Visit the BAHAYA webshop or follow on Instagram. Immerse yourself in the development process and stories. Discover the end results and contribute to keeping alive the memories of where Moluccans come from. Dive into the depth of Moluccan history and contribute to preserving this cultural heritage."