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Anti-Trump Art Hits Bali

Street artist Charlie McFarley tells us why there's no better place to rebel against Donald Trump than Bali.

The rise of street art in Bali has turned the island into a small Mecca for graffiti artists in Southeast Asia. The constant cycle of construction and demolition of tourism properties has created an abundance of walls for artists to play with. Combined with the artistically inclined local Balinese culture, the island of the Gods has turned into a street artist's playground. British street artist Charlie McFarley went to Bali to rebel against the current confrontational political climate. "Right now there's a lot of tension in America—regarding anti religious sentiment—and all the fighting out there," said Charlie. "It's a bit obvious why this needs to be done."

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The Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort in Tanah Lot will soon be replaced by a Trump owned golf getaway. The project, which has drawn negative reactions from local land owners and international media has turned into a lighting rod for controversy on laid back island. Although Trump has handed over all his property business management responsibilities to his children, many have criticized this decision. Citing that the close relation between him and his children, which makes it almost impossible to keep their business decisions from affecting his policies as president of the United States.

"These days street art it supposed to make you laugh. With cartoony, bright colors, and cartoon characters with a dark twist," said Charlie. "I like to bring up topics about excess, and people's appetite for consumerism."

Charlie, a veteran bomber from East London in the early 90's, developed his art after meeting a schoolyard friend who introduced him to the art that graced the derelict walls of London. He began developing his style into cartoon inspired work, citing influences from artists such as Vaughn Bodē.

His work sits inside of Canggu, on the wall of Love Anchor Complex, a passion project of anarchistic expression by Joseph Askins; inspired by his days of community development and squatting in 90's era London.

"It speaks volumes about the world in a smaller lens, what's going on here in Canggu," said Joseph. "There's not a lot of thought put into it, with Trump doing a Muslim ban, but then investing in the most populous Muslim country in the world. Its a bit of a hypocrisy really."