Art for chimps exhibition to coincide with opening of the Chimp habitat » Monarto Zoo

Art for chimps exhibition to coincide with opening of the Chimp habitat
08-08-2008

Press release August 2008

There is sure to be plenty of monkey business this October as the Untamed artists launch a major art exhibition at South Australia's Monarto Zoo to coincide with the opening of the zoo's new chimpanzee habitat.

South Australian Patrick Hedges and Victorian Leigh Rust have teamed up with the zoo alongside Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone to create a series of powerful and moving portrayals
of our closest primate cousins which will go on display from October 4th. These works will be sold to raise funds for the Zoo and Tacugama Sanctuary to go toward the welfare of the animals.

“We're working toward a series of about 30 new works for the show. We aim to raise upward of $10,000 for each facility” Leigh says. “The rapid decline in numbers of the great apes is upsetting but we hope through education and stimulation we can get people to realize just what is going on and help turn the tide” As founding members of the Untamed Artist Network they use their work to help with conservation of wildlife. “For me art isn't just about creating a pretty picture, it's about storytelling. They say a picture paints a thousand words. I sincerely believe that.”

A prime example of this storytelling in action is seen in Escaping the fires, one of the more confronting works in the series. Showing two chimps surrounded by thick smoke, it creates an evocative portrayal of the species not often seen. Habitat destruction is one of the major problems faced by great apes across the world and this work captures that in a subtle and concise manner.


Patrick uses his work in the same way. “I'm passionate about conservation and believe wildlife matters. It's my desire that my work inform people about wildlife and the challenges ahead in a positive way”. Having lived in Africa during his formative years his connection to the animals has always been strong. This shows in his work.

Below in his work Bruno he captures a character that speaks to everyone on their own terms. His sensitivity to the subject is reflected in the multi faceted expression of the large alpha male chimp as he reaches his hand out to the viewer.


The pair are working closely with Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone after being inspired by a documentary on the facility by naturalist Lyndal Davies. After seeing the problems faced by the staff at the sanctuary on a regular basis and watching them rise to the challenge. The time had come for the artists to do the same. By collaborating on the project from the outset both artists have found themselves creating some of the most vital and powerful works of their careers.

With the full support of Monarto Zoo things are shaping up nicely, promising to give viewers a special treat. With the zoo recognizing the unique opportunity presented to them they are enthusiastic about the upcoming show, which will run through to the end of the year.

To find out more about the artists and the beneficiaries please check out the following websites

To help cover the costs for putting the exhibition together the artists are looking for sponsorship from companies who can contribute. For more details contact Leigh Rust at wildatart@gmail.com.


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Things have been quite busy in my part of the world as you can see above. It's such an inspiring and exciting project to work on and I hope everyone gets a chance to check it out when we open!

19-08-2008

Awesome news guys! The magnificent Dr Jane Goodall will be opening our exhibition at Monarto Zoo on October 5th amidst the festivities of the chimp habitat!!!! I can't wait!

02-10-2008

Just a couple of days before the new enclosure opens up and we get our exhibition going! I'm really looking forward to seeing the facilities and hope to see some of you out there!

02-10-2008

Does that mean you will get a sneak peak at the exhibit.

02-10-2008

Its good. unfortunatly i will be working that day and cant make it. had planned to go

03-10-2008

I didn't think the new exhibit would be ready before the "official" opening? When I was there last week they said the construction would not be finished before the launch by Dr. Goodall (I assume either the construction is behind schedule, or they had to hold the launch on this date regardless due to limitations with Dr. Goodall's schedule? - I didn't ask about that).

I have some photos from last week (from a distance unfortunately), I'll upload them when I get a chance.

03-10-2008

Whoever is the first to see this enormous new chimpanzee exhibit, myself and many others would appreciate a comprehensive and honest review. The Adelaide area is certainly booming, as there seems to be loads of big plans for both the Adelaide and Monarto Zoos.

03-10-2008

i walked the entire exhibit a few weeks ago it its large. its a gentle slope covered in whipstick mallee THe Lockaways are HUGE!!!

And yes they are expecting the first chimps to be in by teh end of the year, the jane goodall thing couldnt be rescheduled,

Jane Goodall unveils chimp habitat at Monarto Zoo
06-10-2008

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/s...rom=public_rss

08-10-2008

Hey everyone, I did manage to catch a peek into the new chimp habitat on the weekend and it promises to be something special. The chimps will have a great view, overlooking much of the zoo and the indoor enclosure is very well planned. The first animals should be going in just after the new year.

In the mean time I was lucky enough to meet the great Jane Goodall when she opened my show. She is a truly remarkable woman, a bundle of energy and inspiration. I presented her with a portrait to thank her for opening the show.


It lead to some surprising developments later in the day. After leaving Monarto we received a call from the zoo. They said that Jane had invited us to her public lecture at Adelaide Town Hall the following night. Unfortunately I couldn't make it as I was flying home Sunday night but Patrick went along instead. During the course of the lecture she called him up on stage amidst some fine company and acknowledged us for making a difference!
I'm still on cloud nine!

08-10-2008

Fantastic photo! That must have been an amazing experience...

08-10-2008

Oh it was! If you'd like to read more about it check out this link. Patrick did a brilliant write up on his blog. We were so lucky to have such amazing support from the zoo and also our sponsors!