Born in Cirebon, Indonesia in 1907. Affandi was the first Indonesian artist to achieve international acclaim for his individualistic expressionist style and technique. Along with S. Sudjojono and Hendra Gunawan, he was very much in the forefront in the development and formation of artist’s communities in Yogyakarta.

In the 1950s, after successful exhibits in Europe and India, his art technique changed radically but Affandi achieved a higher level of realism and individual expression. By abandoning his usual strong linear brush strokes, Affandi began the use of not just a paintbrush but fingers, hands and palms as well to create the masterpieces of today.

Affandi passed away in 1990 but he has left behind an artistic legacy uniquely Indonesian. Affandi is still very much admired by many Indonesian artists today, some of whom continue to mimic his unique style which they call "Affandi-ism" even 17 years after his passing.