The Art of Khik Weng Keat

  MAJESTIC MENAGERIE IV A menagerie can be defined as a collection of exotic and unique animals, and the term also refers to a precursor to modern zoos which also showcases exotic animals. In the 18th century, the term menagerie is used for animal collections by aristocrats or royals who seek to display their power and wealth because exotic animals are quite difficult to acquire and harder to maintain. The natural world, however, had a vast collection of diverse life which can be considered unique in their own ways. Majestic Menagerie Vol. 4 , acrylic on canvas, 2020. Set of 9, each piece 8" X 8"  Armadillos Little and Large, acrylic on canvas, 2020 Two armadillo species are depicted in this painting: the giant armadillo ( Priodontes maximus ) and the pink fairy armadillo ( Chlamyphorus truncatus ). They are the largest and smallest species of armadillo respectively. Both these species can be found in South America, and the pink fairy armadillo can only be found in Argentina.

  AVIAN ASSORTMENT II As one of the most colorful classes in the animal kingdom, birds (or aves) come in an assortment of shapes, sizes and colors. The bird class adapts a colorful spectrum of feather varieties, as well as some unique features and lifestyles, to adapt to the ever-changing natural world. Avian Assortment Vol. 2 , acrylic on canvas, 2020. Set of 9, each piece 8" X 8"  Bearded Vulture Bearded vulture, acrylic on canvas, 2020 Like other vultures, the bearded vulture ( Gypaetus barbatus ) is a scavenger which feeds on dead animals. However, it is unique among other vultures for its digestive system: the powerful stomach acids in its stomach is able to dissolve bone, which enables the vulture to swallow and digest large bones. This vulture ranged from Europe and Africa to the Middle East, southern and central Asia. In the painting, a golden eagle encounters a pair of bearded vultures. Japanese Cranes Cranes in Springtime, acrylic on canvas, 2020 The Japanese or red

  Orchids are a diverse family of flowers that are extremely popular as house plants. Around 6 to 11 per cent of all plants that produce seeds are orchids. This family is also well-known for the variety of shapes in its flowers.  Mirror Orchid, acrylic on art block, 2018 Red  Doritis , acrylic on art block, 2018 Purple  Doritis , acrylic on art block, 2018 Cattleya , acrylic on art block, 2018