Amber Subaki
​ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Practicing artist since the mid 1990’s, Amber completed a Bachelor of Fine Art in 1997 at COFA and also works as a freelance illustrator, takes private commissions and is a traditional drawing tutor for adults and children. She has shown her drawings and prints at various festivals such as the Norman Lindsay Children’s Literary Festival and the MBS Festival.
Since her last solo exhibition in 2005, Subaki has had two children who have breathed new life and energy into her art which has given her added inspiration as well as a desire to delve deeper into the meaning of life.
Her recent exhibition was at one of The Rocks pop ups in September 2014 and is currently working on a solo exhibition at CK gallery in Newtown to be held this December.
Amber begins her extraordinarily fine detailed drawings with an original “idea” and then lets her intuition guide her throughout the journey of the piece. Often taking months to complete, each meticulous drawing then reveals itself with numerous symbols uncovered within the drawing.
Amber’s works invite the viewer to interpret each drawing as to what is relevant to their own memories and feelings. With no right or wrong interpretation, the viewer will ultimately uncover the deeper meanings through correlations with their own lives.
ARTIST'S REASON FOR PARTICIPATING
I have chosen to participate in this project as I am passionate about animals and love incorporating them into my works. Through this exhibition I am eager to learn about the plight of these majestic beings and to connect with them on a soul level whilst portraying their character.
Links are: www.facebook.com/ambersubaki.artist
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TRIBUN
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From Plantation Orphan to Forest School Star
In February 2013, just days after the official opening of International Animal Rescue’s (IAR) new Orangutan Centre in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, a tiny male orangutan arrived—frail, frightened, and alone. He was named Tribun, after a local media outlet that helped publicize his rescue.
Tribun was discovered near the PT Kayong Agro Lestari palm oil estate, bordering the biodiverse Gunung Palung National Park. Though the plantation claimed he had been “found,” telltale signs—like faint lines around his waist from a possible tether—suggested he had been kept in captivity longer than admitted. When rescued, he was approximately 1.5 years old, underweight, with a tympanic stomach and overly tame behavior, further supporting this.
Despite his tragic beginnings, Tribun was in relatively good health and quickly adapted to the Ketapang centre’s quarantine and medical protocols. After his health was confirmed stable, he joined baby school—where his confidence blossomed. Although thin and weak at first, Tribun gained strength and learned vital forest skills by watching and mimicking other young orangutans.
Now thriving in forest school, Tribun climbs fast and eats a varied, healthy diet that keeps him strong. With time, he will hopefully be one of IAR’s successful rehabilitation stories—ready to return to the wild and live the life that was stolen from him.
Tribun's rescue highlights the urgent need for stronger accountability from palm oil companies and the importance of supporting rehabilitation centres like IAR Ketapang, which rely on donations to undo the damage left in the wake of deforestation and wildlife exploitation.
