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. This is meant to be a social commentary on the unrest generated by the country’s rigidly-controlled political system and economic boom that had led to large income inequality. The title “Very, Very Happy Victims” is intended to be sharply ironic as the work was rendered in the very year the military commander, Major General Sutiyoso, warned that the military was not going to tolerate new disturbances in Jakarta.
