The Art of Khik Weng Keat

WEIRD BUT ENCHANTING Some animals look unusual among their relatives for their features. However, these weird features are actually evolutionary adaptations which help these animals to survive in their environment, either to predators, climate change or lifestyle.  Weird but Enchanting , acrylic on canvas, 2020. Set of 9, each piece 8" X 8"  Axolotl Youthful Trio, acrylic on canvas, 2020 The axolotl ( Ambystoma mexicanum ) is a species of salamander which is also called the "walking fish". This amphibian reaches maturity without changing any part of its body, including its gills, and also has the ability to grow back lost body parts. Axolotls come in a variety of colors; the normal coloration is actually brown with gold speckles (on the lower right of the painting). The popular light pink coloration (shown at the top center) is actually caused by a mutation. Colugo Malayan Colugo, acrylic on canvas, 2020 The Malayan colugo ( Galeopterus variegatus ) belongs to a uni...

  Legendary Sight, acrylic on canvas, 2020. 14" x 10" The common sea dragon or weedy sea dragon ( Phyllopteryx taeniolatus ) is a member of the seahorse family and is a cousin of the more well-known leafy sea dragon. Although it had smaller and fewer seaweed-like appendages on their fins than those of the leafy sea dragon, the common sea dragon also blends into marine plants with them as a form of camouflage to disguise itself from predators. It can be found in the southern coasts of Australia, where it is made the marine emblem of the Australian state of Victoria.

  Mount Rush-ROAR, acrylic on canvas, 2020. 12" x 8" This painting is a parody of the famous US monument Mount Rushmore which depicts four mighty carnivore mammals in place of the original's heads of four US Presidents. The four animals are the lion, tiger, wolf and bear. All four are powerful symbols which are revered across four continents. The lion represents Africa and the tiger represents Asia. The wolf and the bear share a range throughout Europe and North America. The wolf is a respected symbol in Italy as it played a role in the legend of the founding of Rome. The brown bear is an icon of strength and protection in North America and Europe.