Brit McKeon
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
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Brit McKeon is a contemporary artist and freelance illustrator currently residing in Sydney, Australia.
Growing up in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, there she studied fine arts from 2011-2012, during which time she worked on commissions for a variety of clientelle, ranging from private pieces to mass production within larger Australian companies. her artistic strengths are in Surrealism and her style consists of intricate graphite details accompanied by unexpected bursts of colour.
With the strong belief that creativity is imperative for a cohesive society, Brit Mckeon strives to create artworks which provoke thought and provide insight, education and resources to those who require it most.
This intention is what comprises the notion of 'Feed Your Mate', a personal motto, which encompasses the relationships between humans, animals as well as their environments and the need to contribute to all involved in order to achieve a positive and more harmonious future."
ARTIST'S REASON FOR PARTICIPATING
"In developing a previous body of works with endangered species as a centric focus, I was determined to gain a better understanding of each of the situations faced by these animals and orangutans alike, the gravity of which astounded me and were catalysts for me wanting to contribute to a better quality of life for them. This exhibition is a fantastic initiative and I feel privileged to be involved, through participating I hope to increase the publics interest and awareness in what they can do to conserve and protect these precious creatures."
Web: www.britmckeon.com
Instagram: @britfyms
PINGKY
From 13 Years in Chains to Mirror-Loving Matriarch
Pingky spent 13 heartbreaking years chained to a tree, the metal embedded so deeply in her neck that it had to be surgically removed when she was rescued by International Animal Rescue (IAR) in 2011. Her diet was poor, her health declining, and her spirit dulled from years of neglect.
After arriving at the IAR Rehabilitation Centre in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, Pingky spent two months in quarantine before moving into the socialisation cages. Sedation allowed the veterinary team to fully examine her—her dental issues were healing well, and she had lost a few centimetres from her waist. Though still sporting a “rather rotund figure,” she was now healthy enough to start socialising with other female orangutans.
She joined Mona and Nicky, two confident companions who helped her stay active. With them—and later, Mely and Huta—Pingky quickly resumed her position as the calm but commanding “top of the totem pole.”
Despite her history, Pingky is a gentle soul who loves enrichment. Her absolute favourite? Mirror cards made by volunteers. She’ll sit for ages admiring her reflection, even fluffing her hair just right, like a forest fashionista.
Today, Pingky receives lifetime care from IAR. While she may never return to the wild, she lives peacefully among other unreleasable orangutans, enjoying enrichment, social bonds, and kindness she was once denied. She’s learning to move on request, and will soon be ready to explore a newly built forested enclosure—a sanctuary worthy of her strength and grace.
