March 8th is International Women’s Day—a global celebration of women’s achievements in all fields, including art. First observed in 1911 and officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, this day highlights the ongoing fight for gender equality and the contributions of women worldwide.

In Indonesia, female artists have carved out their own space, each with a distinct artistic voice that challenges norms, sparks conversation, and brings fresh perspectives. To honor this special occasion, we’re showcasing four trailblazing Indonesian women artists featured in our upcoming Southeast Asian, Chinese, Modern and Contemporary auction. 

Running from 19 February to 8 March 2025, this event culminates in a live online auction on Saturday, 8 March 2025, at 3 PM (UTC+7).

I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih: Exploring Femininity and Breaking Taboos

Murni (1966–2006) was a fearless, self-taught artist who made waves in the Indonesian art scene with her explorations of female identity, trauma, and sexuality. Born in Bali, her early life was marked by hardship. These experiences shaped her artistic voice, fueling her need to express personal and collective struggles through her work. 

Despite facing societal pushback, she remained true to her unique vision, creating deeply personal and symbolic pieces that broke taboos. Her raw and introspective style led to international acclaim, with her works now housed in renowned institutions like Tate Modern, Centre Pompidou, and the National Gallery of Singapore.

Her piece Lelah Sekali (Very Tired), featured in this auction, is a bold and surreal depiction of exhaustion and resilience. The twisted, deconstructed form of an orange elephant symbolizes struggle, depletion, and the power of endurance. Murni’s ability to translate emotional turmoil into striking imagery makes her work an unfiltered, unforgettable statement on the human experience.

Ay Tjoe Christine: Emotionally Layered and Spiritually Profound  

Born in Bandung in 1973, Ay Tjoe Christine’s art is an emotional journey, delving deep into spirituality, human introspection, and existential struggles. Her expressive brushwork, textural depth, and complex layering of materials create a sense of movement and soul-searching. 

With international exhibitions at White Cube Hong Kong, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, and Michael Ku Gallery in Taipei, she is one of the most sought-after contemporary artists today. Her record-breaking auction sales—such as Lights for the Layer (2011), which sold for SGD 2.94 million at Sotheby’s Singapore in January 2025—reflect her global appeal.

In this auction, her works Berduaempat (In Twos and Fours) and One Open Side Jail, 05 & One Open Side Jail, 06 showcase her unique visual language. Berduaempat plays with contrasts—soft quilted fabric encased in rigid glass—to explore entrapment and transformation. Meanwhile, One Open Side Jail captures isolation and psychological tension through dark, muted tones and delicate human-like figures. Ay Tjoe’s art is not just something to look at. It’s something to feel.

Dolorosa Sinaga: Sculpting Strength, Movement, and Unity 
 

Dolorosa Sinaga (b. 1952) has shaped contemporary sculpture in Indonesia with her powerful depictions of resilience, identity, and solidarity. Her career spans decades, with formal training at the Jakarta Arts Institute and St. Martins in London, along with further studies in the U.S. and Europe. 

A true pioneer, she experiments with unconventional materials like fiberglass and plastic, bringing sculpture to new expressive heights. Her contributions to the art world have earned her prestigious awards, including the Cultural Adhikarya Image Award and The Modern Indonesian Sculpture Award.

Her sculptures radiate movement and collective strength. In this auction, The Three Graces II (2003) and two variations of 5 Women (5 Wanita) showcase her signature elongated, faceless forms—symbols of perseverance, migration, and unity. Whether in dark bronze or in a striking yellow-and-brown finish, Dolorosa’s works convey the power of standing together, making them timeless statements on female strength and solidarity.

Erica Hestu Wahyuni: Whimsical, Joyful, and Full of Life
 

If Murni’s art is raw and unfiltered, Ay Tjoe’s is deeply introspective, and Dolorosa’s is sculptural storytelling, Erica Hestu Wahyuni brings an explosion of color, joy, and playful narrative. Born in Yogyakarta in 1971, she developed her distinct naive style at the Indonesian Fine Art Institute and the Surikov Institute of Art in Russia. Her works are filled with animated human and animal figures—especially elephants—woven into intricate, storybook-like compositions.

Her piece Happy Vacation in Prosperity (2024), featured in this auction, is a visual celebration of harmony and happiness. Red elephants, cheerful people, and lush natural elements create a dreamlike utopia, where culture and nature coexist in perfect balance. Erica’s art is an invitation to embrace joy, nostalgia, and the beauty of life. Such a perfect piece for those who want to add a burst of positivity to their collection.

Own a Masterpiece by Indonesia’s Leading Women Artists

Each of these incredible women brings something completely unique to the art world—whether through raw expression, deep introspection, sculptural strength, or playful storytelling. Now’s your chance to bring their powerful works into your collection!

The Southeast Asian, Chinese, Modern, and Contemporary Art Auction is open for viewing at Global Auction’s Jakarta office (Jl. Tanah Abang IV No. 23-35) from 19 February to 8 March 2025, open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. The live online auction takes place on 8 March 2025 at 3 PM (UTC+7). Don’t miss out!

Register now at https://bid.global.auction and celebrate the power of women in art!

For the full catalog, visit www.global.auction or contact us at [email protected] or +6282123443854 (Paulina). Let’s honor International Women’s Day by supporting the incredible creativity of Indonesian women artists!