A manifestation of energetic lines and loose brushwork, Affandi’s artistic manner is recognised for its expressive tension. Utilising techniques such as applying paint directly from the tube, his spontaneous and curvilinear markings culminate in a fiercely dynamic sense of movement. Affandi painted with immediacy and often completed an entire work in one sitting. Utilising a non-naturalistic colour palette, he illustrated a variety of Indonesian subjects such as fishing boats, dogs, markets, Balinese dancers and more.
Affandi travelled significantly throughout his artistic career. Having received a grant from the Indian government, he went to India and painted there from 1949 to 1951. Thereafter, he journeyed to Europe and exhibited his work at major cities such as Paris, London, Rome and Brussels. His influence in the art world has been recognised by numerous institutions worldwide— apart from being appointed as an Honorary Professor in Painting by Ohio State University, he also received an honorary doctorate from the National University of Singapore in 1974 and the International Peace Award from the Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation in 1977.