Skip to main content

Affandi

Affandi was born in Cirebon, West Java, in 1907, as the son of R. Koesoema, who was a surveyor at a local sugar factory. Affandi finished his upper secondary school in Jakarta, but he forsook his study for the desire to become an artist. Affandi taught himself how to paint since 1934.


In the 1950s, Affandi began to create expressionistic paintings. Carrying the First Grandchild (1953) was the piece that marked his newfound style: “squeezing the tube.” Affandi paints by directly squeezing the paint out of its tube. He came across this technique by accident, when he intended to draw a line one day. As he lost his patience when he sought for the missing pencil, he applied the paint directly from its tube. 

The resulting effect, as he found out, was that the painting object appeared more alive. He also felt more freedom to express his feelings when he used his own hands, instead of a painting brush. In certain respects, he has acknowledged similarities with Vincent van Gogh.

As a renowned artist, Affandi participated in various exhibitions abroad. Besides India, he has also displayed his works in the biennale in Brazil (1952), Venice (1954), and won an award therein), and Sao Paolo (1956). In 1957, he received a scholarship from the United States government to study the methods of arts education. He was appointed as Honorary Professor in Painting by Ohio State University in Columbus in the United States. In 1974, he received an honorary doctorate from University of Singapore, the Peace Award from the Dag Hammarskjoeld Foundation in 1977, and the title of Grand Maestro in Florence, Italy.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Historical Evolution of Old Town Surabaya

  The Historical Evolution of Old Town Surabaya Early Beginnings Surabaya, located on the northern coast of East Java, Indonesia, has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The city’s name is believed to originate from the Javanese words "sura" (shark) and "baya" (crocodile), symbolizing a legendary fight between the two creatures that is depicted in the city’s emblem. 13th to 16th Century: Early Settlement and Trade During the 13th century, Surabaya was part of the powerful Majapahit Kingdom. It served as a significant port and trade center, connecting Java with other parts of Southeast Asia and beyond. The city's strategic location attracted merchants from China, India, Arabia, and Europe, facilitating cultural and economic exchanges. 17th Century: Colonial Era In the early 17th century, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) arrived in Java, aiming to dominate the spice trade. Surabaya became a focal point of Dutch colonial ambitions due to its strategic...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Largest Islands in Indonesia: From Largest to Smallest

Indonesia, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, is the world's largest island country, consisting of more than 17,000 islands. These islands vary greatly in size, from massive landmasses like Sumatra and Borneo to tiny islets scattered across the oceans. Here's a detailed look at the largest islands in Indonesia, ranked from the largest to the smallest. 1. New Guinea (Papua) Area : Approximately 785,753 square kilometers (Indonesian portion: 421,981 square kilometers) Description : New Guinea, known as Papua in Indonesia, is the second-largest island in the world after Greenland. It is shared between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The Indonesian part comprises the provinces of Papua, West Papua, South Papua, Central Papua, and Highland Papua. The island is famous for its diverse cultures and rich biodiversity, with dense rainforests, rugged mountain ranges, and a significant number of endemic species. 2. Borneo (Kalimantan) Area : Approximately 748,168 square kilometers (Indonesi...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument) in Surabaya, Indonesia

 The Tugu Pahlawan, or Heroes Monument, in Surabaya, Indonesia, is a significant historical landmark commemorating the heroism of Indonesian fighters during the Battle of Surabaya. This battle, which took place in November 1945, was a pivotal moment in Indonesia's struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule. Historical Background: After Indonesia declared its independence on August 17, 1945, the Dutch attempted to reassert control over their former colony. The British, who were in Indonesia to oversee the surrender of Japanese forces following World War II, found themselves in conflict with Indonesian nationalists who were determined to defend their newly proclaimed independence. The Battle of Surabaya began on November 10, 1945, when British forces, supporting Dutch interests, launched an attack on the city of Surabaya. The battle was triggered by a confrontation between the British forces and Indonesian fighters, including militias, students, and ordinary citizens, who res...
Post a Comment
Read more