ROSS DAMIEN SYDNEY
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
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Ross Sydney (Born 1974) is a successful Australian artist whose paintings and photographs have been exhibited in a number of galleries worldwide. The vibrant colourful and textural qualities of the works produced by the artist reflect his main influences, which are the natural environment and the cultural aspects of a number of different societies in which the artist has periodically resided – including China, India and parts of African.
ARTIST REASON FOR PARTICIPATION
My motivation for seeking to participate in this exhibition comes from a deep love of the natural environment, and also for an admiration for those who spend their time working to save it.
As a student, I studied the habits and biology of many primates – including the orangutan – and I was fascinated at that time by the majesty of the animals, and their beauty. The primates are many and varied, and unfortunately many species fall into the threatened category. What struck me most at this time however was similarities these animals share with humans, in their mannerisms and seemingly their thoughts too. This is certainly true of the apes – of which the orangutan is one – any person spending any time with an animal like this cannot help feel that they are looking into a mirror when they look into the orangutans’ eyes.
Those who spend their lives working to help these animals deserve all the support they can get. It is often a thankless task, but I fear without driven people like these our children may grow up one day and know animals like the orangutan only from text books. With a little help and the time from dedicated volunteers, hopefully this will not be the case.
RAJA
The Grumpy Grabber with a Gentle Curiosity
Raja is a large, charismatic male orangutan who was rescued in 2010 by the O-Team and initially taken to the Sintang Centre. When the centre closed its doors in 2011, Raja, along with ten other orangutans, was transferred to the IAR Ketapang Centre for continued care and rehabilitation.
From the beginning, Raja made his presence known. Strong and curious, he quickly gained a reputation for grabbing unsuspecting passers-by through the bars of his enclosure, tugging them playfully—or possessively—by their shirts. Though his antics were harmless, they were a clear reminder of his power and the respect he commanded from the caregivers around him.
At the time of his arrival, the centre was undergoing rapid changes, expanding its facilities to accommodate the influx of rescued orangutans. Raja, along with other adult arrivals such as Jimo, Pingky, and Suki, underwent a thorough health check under anaesthesia and gradually settled into his new home.
However, life wasn’t always full of freedom for Raja. Due to space limitations, he spent close to 10 months in quarantine at the new centre. But in June 2014, everything changed. A refurbished outdoor enclosure was prepared just for him, and Raja’s move was carried out with careful planning. Though sleepy and slightly hesitant at first, Raja stepped into his new environment and was immediately invigorated by the sunlight and fresh air.
Now, he spends his days observing the world around him watching construction workers pass by, and eyeing the juveniles swinging energetically in the nearby enclosures. Though Raja’s days of mischievous grabbing may not be over entirely, he now has a quieter routine and a lush, green space to enjoy.
With his strength, spirit, and story of resilience, Raja reminds us that even the most formidable individuals need time, patience, and care to thrive.
