Anat Cossen
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
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I was born in Israel in 1971 and completed my photography diploma in Jerusalem. After moving to Melbourne (Australia) in 1998, I found work as a commercial portrait photographer. With the arrival of my kids, I felt the need to find new inspiration and expand my skills. This led me to developing an art practice, creating images in an endeavour to express my deeply- held thoughts and emotions. At the same time, and as a complement to my creative work, I began teaching photography.
Currently, I am teaching photography at Photography Studies College and continuing to express myself through my photographic images.
Education
2013 Masters of Fine Art, RMIT University, Melbourne 1997 Diploma of Photography, Hadassah College, Jerusalem, Israel
Courses and certificates
2001 Interior Design – Council of Adult Education 2003 Pencil Sketching - Caulfield School of Art 2007 Indesign – Swinburne University short course 2008Ilustrator – Swinburne University short course
Exhibitions
2013 “Postcard show”; Linden Gallery, St Kilda 2012 “sub 1000” Group show; Edmund Pearce Gallery, Melbourne 2012 “Interpretation of Intimacy”; Open space Gallery, Melbourne 2012 “Transition” solo exhibition; Edmund Pearce Gallery, Melbourne 2002 “St Kilda life” Group exhibition, St-Kilda 2002 “ with one brush” Group exhibition, Caulfield Park 2001 “Jewish Yarns” Group exhibition, Jewish Museum, St-Kilda 1997 “Best of Photography” Students work - national exhibition; Tel-Hai museum of photography, Israel.
Artist Talks
2013 "Contesting Identity in Photography", International Photo Biennale, Bendigo
ARTIST'S REASON FOR PARTICIPATING
My participation in this project comes from my belief that as a residence of this planet we all have the obligation to give something back.
ONGKY
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Ongky's story is a powerful example of how compassion, law enforcement, and expert care can change the fate of a critically endangered animal. In June 2010, Ongky, a young male orangutan estimated to be around two years old, was rescued during a sting operation in West Kalimantan that led to the arrest of three wildlife traders. He had been kept in terrible conditions, likely traded on the black market, and transported in a small cage or even a handbag with holes in it. When first rescued, Ongky was severely stressed and refused to eat.
Thanks to swift action by the SPORC Forest Police and the expert care of the International Animal Rescue (IAR) team, Ongky began his long journey of rehabilitation at the IAR Centre in Ketapang. Initially overwhelmed by the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the centre, Ongky clung to his caregivers and to another young orangutan, Puyol, as they both adjusted to the larger play areas and new forest surroundings.
Over the years, Ongky transformed. He progressed from baby school to the pre-release islands, learning essential forest survival skills—nest-building, foraging, climbing, and socialization. Known for his cheeky personality and boundless energy, Ongky was always up to mischief and kept volunteers on their toes.
In September 2018, after eight years of rehabilitation, Ongky was released into Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park alongside three other orangutans—Amy, Kepo, and Rambo. The journey to freedom involved a 40-hour road trip, a boat ride, and a four-hour hike through the rainforest. When his crate was opened, Ongky climbed straight into the trees, embracing his second chance at a wild life.
Today, Ongky is thriving in the wild, his progress monitored by IAR's post-release team. His story represents the hope that, with the right support and dedication, orangutans can return to the forests where they belong.
