Affandi

Question 1

Artist Profile:
Affandi

Answer 1

Indonesian artist

Showed an early interest in art but was largely self-taught

Early works were influenced by the traditional art and cultural environment of Java

Question 2

EoA/PoD:
Self-Portrait
by Affandi

Answer 2

Highly expressive and dynamic lines
->Thick, swirling, and gestural lines, applied directly from the paint tube.
->Not clean, chaotic and messy in their direction
->Sense of motion within the painting, guiding the viewer’s eye across the composition

Bold and intense colour palette
->Mix of earthy tones and vibrant colours, such as yellows, reds, and greens, to convey emotion and character.
->Adds a stark contrast to the painting, showing the emotional deepness and turmoil of the subject matter in the chaos of the colour palette.

Almost three-dimensional texture
->Applied thick paint directly on to the painting, rather than using a paint brush
->Adds new level of rough, tactile texture in the painting.
->Adds unique levels of depth to the painting

Proportions of the subject matter of the painting appear distorted and disproportionate, exaggerated and deformed
->Conveys the emotional turmoil and chaos of the subject.
->Organic and seem to flow

Form of the subject is not really emphasized

Very little negative space
->Subject matter is emphasised, nothing left to analyse or take notice of besides the subject.
->Draws the attention to the subject and the detail and lines used in the painting.

Question 3

EoA/PoD:
The Three Expressions of Affandi
By Affandi

Answer 3

LINES
-Bold, energetic lines create movement and emotional intensity
-Lines define facial features with raw immediacy.

COLOURS
-Earthy, intense colors reflect emotional states
-Enhance mood rather than realism

TEXTURE
-Impasto technique adds tactile, dynamic quality (thick paint)
-Rough surfaces enhance the expressive feel

SPACE
-Tight composition focuses attention on the faces.
-Overlapping faces create depth and complexity

VALUE
-Strong light-dark contrast
>heightens emotional intensity of the painting
-Shadows add depth and emotional tension in the expressions of the figures

MOVEMENT
-Brushstrokes guide the eye and suggest emotional turbulence
-Repetition of faces creates visual flow
>overlapping faces let the lines flow from one expression to another

CONTRAST
-Contrasting emotions add depth and interest
-The drastic changes from one colour to another in each expression bring out the emotions of each figure

Question 4

Main Idea Expressed:
Self-Portrait
by Affandi

Answer 4

Conveys themes of aging, mortality, and the artist’s identity

Question 5

Main Idea Expressed:
The Three Expressions of Affandi
By Affandi

Answer 5

Complexity of his identity by depicting three different emotional states.

Multiplicity of human experience, capturing Affandi’s vulnerability and the range of emotions he faced throughout his life.

Reflection on his journey, portraying different facets of his personality and inner dialogue, and emphasizing the depth and richness of his emotional world.