Diona Jonevari (Suwawari)

b. 1979, old Godibehi village, Oro Province, Papua New Guinea. Lives and works. Godibehi village, Oro Province, Papua New Guinea

Diona Jonevari’s mother was Delma Iarin of Gora village and her father was Abaho Gugonaymi of old Godibehi village (Ematé clan). When Diona married her husband Nathaniel Jonevari in 2002, she began to learn to paint the traditional Ömie designs of his mother Dapeni Jonevari (Mokokari), who was the Chief of Ematé clan women and a highly respected artist. Under Dapeni’s tutelage, Diona has become a respected artist in her own right. She incorporates sor’e (tattoo designs) taught to her by other elders of her clan such as her father-in-law, Emmanuel Jonevari (c.1920-2010), and Nathan Gama, Chief of Ematé clan men. As an astute student, Diona now draws from a wealth of traditional Ömie designs which she paints in her own innovative and expressive style. Her wealth of knowledge and extraordinary natural talent and skills firmly place her among the most significant Ömie artists.

© Ömie Artists Inc