Vayu
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Vayu
Headline: vayu - curriculum vitae
statement: “drawing with my left hand frees my being to draw spontaneously and instinctively and without attachment to the result“
In 2004 vayu started working exclusively with his left hand.
2004 solo drawing show Michael Commerford Gallery 2006 solo drawing show Michael Commerford Gallery
2006,2007,2008.
2008 finalist Black Swan portraiture prize in Perth for his portrait of Warren Anderson
2008,2009,2010 and 2011.
I start with a drawing. I can tell straight away if it's got something. My best work happens immediately without too much fuss. I have always loved the feeling of working with my left hand even though I am right handed.
Why I work:
I get this amazing feeling when I am free and it just starts to fall out of me onto the canvas. I am impetuous by nature so my Vayu style works because it's about knowing yourself and capturing the soul of your subject.
What I believe:
In terms of success or failure... I call it creative karma. People are attracted to my work because there's a connection for them. I write words on all of my paintings. If these are honest then they'll resonate.
Michael aka Vayu has kindly donated 3 previous orangutan pieces to sell at the exhibition on behalf of Wawa
WAWA
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Shackled for Years, But Now on the Path to Freedom
In September 2014, Wawa became the 70th orangutan to arrive at International Animal Rescue’s (IAR) Centre in Ketapang, West Kalimantan. But before that, he endured five long years of captivity, chained by the neck to a tree at the back of a house in Sanggau village, near Pontianak.
His owner, Pak Akim, had purchased Wawa as a baby from a friend in Ketapang. Wawa survived on a diet of rice, sweet drinks, rendang, and coffee—a diet that stunted his growth, left him malnourished, and caused severe skin issues and hair loss. The chain he wore was short and constrictive; a piece of rubber was added to avoid cutting his neck—an act that did little to ease his suffering.
Fortunately, Pak Suryadi, an employee of the Forestry Department (BKSDA), spotted Wawa and convinced his owner to surrender him. After being kept temporarily at Suryadi’s home, Wawa was transported—after a grueling 14-hour journey—back to Ketapang on 21 September 2014.
Despite his traumatic past, Wawa demonstrated a gentle temperament, though he understandably reacted with aggression in moments of high stress. Once at the Centre, he entered quarantine for medical evaluations and behavioral assessments. His rehabilitation journey includes building strength, regaining trust, and learning essential forest skills, like climbing and foraging.
Wawa’s story echoes those of many other orangutans—victims of the pet trade and deforestation—but with IAR’s support, his future looks far brighter. He’s now being given the chance to reclaim his wild instincts, and one day, hopefully, his rightful place in the forest.
