Interview: Melissa Sunjaya

Preferred Pronoun?
She/Her

Why did you choose to enter this work?
I entered this work to spotlight the overlooked pre-colonial identities of Javanese women, whose significant historical contributions were obscured during the British and Dutch colonial periods.

What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?
From this shortlisted project, I was invited to present the research and process behind this work at the Rijksmuseum's 'Women at the Museum' symposium in 2024.

What excites you most about being shortlisted?
Being shortlisted validated the project's cultural significance and allowed me to highlight how art can be a powerful tool for historical and cultural education.

Where do you usually work?
I work in my home studio in Jakarta, conveniently located near my little shop, Tulisan, where I sell my limited-edition wearable serigraphs.

How long did it take to complete your project?
Six months.

What is your dream commission?
I dream of getting commissioned to design illustrated editions for couture projects.

What’s your favourite thing to draw?
I love to draw about the complex history of Javanese women through simple visual language

What is your best tip for other illustrators?
Always have fun and enjoy the pain of failing many times.

What are your plans for the future?
I would love to design clothes with my illustrated prints.


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