Affandi; Indonesia’s Top Expressionist Painter

Affandi, 83, an Expressionist painter whose works were exhibited worldwide. Considered Indonesia’s foremost Expressionist, Affandi began painting professionally in 1938. “Ibu” (“Mother”) was a masterpiece of his realistic works before he turned to Expressionism. “Self Portrait” is another famous work among the 4,000 paintings he created. In 1948, he traveled to India and later became a guest lecturer at the East-West Center in Hawaii. His works were exhibited in London, Paris, Rome, Rio de Janeiro and The Hague. In 1956, he exhibited his works in the United States under an Asia Foundation grant. President Suharto had given him Indonesia’s highest award for artistic achievements while “Fire to Live” was a 1982 Swedish documentary on his life. Near Jakarta on Wednesday.