AFFANDI (1907-1990)

Fisherman With His Catch comes from Affandi's favoured
theme of seaside life and nautical imagery. Lauded for
his depictions of weathered locals taking part in various
activities around the village such as cock fights, Affandi has
chosen here to focus on a fisherman proudly presenting his
daily catch. The fisherman represents a daily confrontation
between man and nature braving tumultuous waves,
of ten alone, to br ing back fish in one of the oldest
forms of providing for human subsistence. Captivated by
the grandness and scale of nature that he was able to
experience along the Balinese coastline, Affandi's scenes
surrounding the seaside are some of his most powerful and
expressive.

With his characteristic straw hat to shield him from the
elements, Affandi's fisherman is constructed with vibrant
swirls of paint that mimic the movement and power of
the sea. Framed by the prow of his boat that waits in the
background, he triumphantly holds up the plump fish
who come to life with subtle highlights of white in their
textured scales. Imbuing his subject with quiet strength,
Affandi celebrates the tenacity and spirit of the humble
fisherman in this timeless portrait.