Born in 1968 in Jember, East Java, Indonesia, Kurniawan studied graphic art at the Institut Seni Indonesia (Art Institute of Indonesia). His works are subtle commentaries on socio-political issues. Since 1990, Kurniawan has exhibited in numerous exhibitions and has received the award for Best Work at the Dies Natalis ISI Yogyakarta in 1992; the McDonald Award for Best Work ISI Yogyakarta in 1994; and the award for Best Work at the Indonesian Art Awards in 1996. Here, Kuniawan depicts an unconventional, fragmented angel. Delineated by thick lines and different colours, the angel seems incomplete, making one wary of its intention. Holding an iron in one hand and the ironing board in another, the angel seems to take an aggressive stance, as if it is ready to attack the viewer, with the board as its armour.
