Emiria Soenassa

1895 – 1964

Emiria Soenassa, often regarded as Indonesia’s first female modern artist, lived an adventurous and unconventional life that defied the expectations of her time. Born in Tanawangko, North Sulawesi, to the royal family of Tidore, Emiria initially trained as a nurse and later managed a plantation before devoting herself to painting. A free spirit, she traveled widely across Europe, studying ballet in Brussels, Amsterdam, and Vienna, before returning to Indonesia, where her artistic journey began in earnest. Her work was first recognized in the late 1930s when she joined PERSAGI (Persatuan Ahli Gambar Indonesia), Indonesia’s pioneering modern art movement founded by S. Sudjojono and Agus Djaja.

Emiria’s paintings are expressive, spontaneous, and deeply personal, often depicting scenes of everyday life, ethnic traditions, and strong, independent women. Rejecting idealized beauty and academic rules, she painted with raw emotion and bold color, presenting subjects from across the archipelago such as Dayak brides, Balinese dancers, and Papuan landscapes. S. Sudjojono once called her a “genius” for her courage to paint as she lived, freely and honestly. Emiria Soenassa passed away in Tanjung Karang, Lampung, in 1964, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of Indonesian women artists.