Affandi

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 4 April 2011, Lot 337
Acquired by the Present Owner from the Above Sale
Private Collection, Indonesia

This work is in very good overall condition as viewed. The paint layers are healthy overall. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals no sign of restoration. Framed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Affandi’s oeuvre is a record of his own identity, emotions and thoughts painted aggressively across the canvas. He was a man consumed by wanderlust and his constant travels help broadened his artistic ability. Interestingly, he produced most of his personal pieces overseas. He first embarked the Americas in the 1950s as a visiting professor at Ohio State University and thereafter, visited more frequently.

The piece Carmel-by-the-Sea, ranks as one of the more abstract works from Affandi and in many ways is a unique interpretation of the artist’s beach-inspired paintings. The work is dominated by dark blues and blacks that are accentuated by the yellow beige tones. The vibrant brushstrokes mirror the strength of the waves that violently crash against each other. The dense and bold collision of lines seems to release a sense of destruction, perhaps reflective of the emotion he felt whilst painting the scene. Affandi takes no longer than 90 minutes to paint a single piece as he prefered to work in a spontaneous manner that was driven by his creativity.

In his collections, Affandi’s technique consists of a ‘hands on’ approach where he abandons the paintbrush and directly squeezes the paint from the tube, thus creating a free and expressive approach. Affandi was motivated by emotion which clarifies the animated aesthetic of Carmel-by-the-Sea.