The Art of Khik Weng Keat

  Nine Dragons: Celestial Prowess , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 20" X 20" The artist welcomes the Year of the Dragon with this painting which depicts nine dragons facing an orb of fire.  The painting is loosely based on another painting of nine dragons , which was designed such that there is a central dragon at the center `blowing' Qi. The dragon at the center approaches the flaming orb, and the dragons to the right and left twist towards the center, with each exhibiting different gestures. The dragon captures the essence of the sun and the moon, and the number nine represents the endless positive energy of heaven and earth. The artist includes background elements like clouds, waves, fire and cliffs, with the intent to include the five elements (earth, fire, water, wood, metal) aspect into the painting.  earth - cliffs fire - flaming orb water - waves wood - green color metal - gold color

  Azure Advent , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 24" X 18" The artist welcomes the Year of the Dragon with this painting depicting an azure dragon in the clouds.  The Azure/Green Dragon (Chinese: 青龍 qīng lóng), also known as Qinglong in Chinese, is one of the Dragon Gods who represent the mount or earthly forces of the Five Regions' Highest Deities (五方上帝 wǔ fāng shàng dì). The Dragon Gods in Chinese mythology are powerful weather and water deities, and are often seen as guardians of different regions, with the Azure Dragon associated with the East China Sea. The Azure Dragon represents the east and the spring season. Sometimes, it is believed to be the ancestor of all dragons worldwide. The 2024 Color of the Year in Feng Shui is sapphire blue, which not only brings its inherent qualities of serenity and wisdom but also aligns harmoniously with the energy of the year of the Wood Dragon. The element of Wood in Feng Shui is characterized by growth, vitality, and flex...

  Nine Dragons: Wealth and Prosperity , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 60" X 36" The artist welcomes the Year of the Dragon with this painting which depicts nine golden dragons and an abundance of wealth in the form of gold coins, gold sycees and red pearls. The painting seems to be inspired by the Nine Dragons painting by Chinese artist Chen Rong from 1244 (during the Song Dynasty). In Feng Shui philosophy, the dragon symbolizes prosperity and abundance. In Chinese culture, nine is the sacred number of the emperor. It was believed that the dragon king could change into nine dragon forms. The dragon in the center is supposed to represent the emperor (based on its pose), as traditionally, royal dragons have five toes or claws. The other eight dragons have four toes, and four-toed dragons are considered common and not part of the nobility. This conveys a message that wealth can be enjoyed, no matter the status, and that all classes can get along with each other in times of celebratio...

  Radiant in Red , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 20" X 20" Series 2 in Colors of the Wild In many cultures, the deer is a symbol of spiritual authority. Deer symbolize the powers in nature that are not easily subdued. They also represent instinctual energy and spiritual independence. During a deer's life the antlers fall off and grow again and the animal is also a symbol of regeneration. This animal's peaceful serenity is a perfect example of what deer represents, and all together encourages a certain embracing of the divine. The deer in the painting is a red deer, a species which ranged from Europe to as far east as western China. In several European cultures, this majestic mammal symbolizes inner peace and harmony, and its regal presence represents grace and nobility. In China, the red deer is often associated with longevity, while in Japan, it is considered a symbol of strength and power. The dominant color scheme in the painting are red hues, shown by the deer, the pla...

  Cosmic Conquerors , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 30" X 20" In the early days of rocket science, no one knew what spaceflight was like, which is why engineers flew animals into space to test the survivability of spaceflight and learn how to launch and land living beings safely and to better understand how spaceflight might affect human bodies. These efforts paved the way to the subsequent human exploration of space.  Animal space explorers The first animals to reach space were fruit flies, which were launched on Feb. 20, 1947 by the United States. The flies were placed aboard captured German V-2 rockets in an experiment to study radiation exposure at high altitudes. In 3 minutes and 10 seconds of flight, the fruit flies reached an altitude of 68 miles before parachuting back to Earth. The flies miraculously survived the spaceflight. The first animal to orbit the Earth was a dog named Laika, launched aboard Sputnik 2 by the Soviet Union on November 3, 1957. However,...

  Blue Nocturne , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 20" X 20" Series 1 in  Colors of the Wild In Native American traditions, the owl is called the Night Eagle. While the eagle is connected to the sun, the owl has a special connection with the night and the moon. The snowy owl is said to be a messenger who is responsible for carrying wisdom from the elders. In ancient Egypt, white owls were a symbol of royalty and a protector of souls. It is said that if you meditate with the owl, the answers to your questions will be revealed. Blue is the dominant color hue in the painting, as it is the color of wisdom, serenity, faith, and intelligence, all attributed to the symbolism of the owl. The moon also appears to be in a shade of blue, mirroring the phrase once in a blue moon : referring to something extremely rare in occurrence, which in this painting is the presence of blue tiger lilies. Tiger lilies are often associated with nobility in times past. Nocturne is defin...

  Shrine of Harmony , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 24" X 16" The twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac symbolize the earthly branches. In order, they are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs has a unique character that differentiates them from one another. Every individual is different to every other individual, as they attach themselves to factors (like race, religion, hobbies, etc.) which make these individuals appear similar although these things are shallow. Although some of the signs are conflicting with others (e.g. rat and horse, ox and goat, etc.) and may struggle to feel in sync with each other, building mutual respect and tolerance as well as accepting and appreciating differences in each other are vital for stability. Despite said differences, everyone is equal in their basic wish for peace and happiness. The painting is inspired by visits to Thean Hou Temple in ...

A Magnificent Wonder , acrylic on canvas, 2023.  24" X 18" This artwork is based on a 3D pop-up project done by the artist at college. Artist's notes The artist intends to integrate several aspects of ancient Egyptian symbolism into one object, which conveys its mystery and magnificent wonder. Symbolism References The painting includes references to various aspects of ancient Egyptian society, including mythology.  Deities Ra - the ancient Egyptian deity of the sun. Ra was portrayed as a falcon and shared characteristics with the sky-god Horus. Horus - the god of kingship, healing, protection, the sun and the sky. He was also most often depicted as a falcon. Anubis - the god of funerary rites, protector of graves, and guide to the underworld, in ancient Egyptian religion, usually depicted as a jackal, a dog-like creature. Osiris - the god of fertility, agriculture, the afterlife, the dead, resurrection, life, and vegetation. He was classically dep...

  An Unexpected Match: Ultras vs. Aliens , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 30" X 24" The painting is inspired by an episode of Ultraman X , but the sport is changed from rugby to football (soccer). Based on the painting, a simple friendly football match unites various groups, including Ultras and various alien species. When sports unite the universe, anything is possible. The characters depicted in the painting are: The artist with the figures of the characters in the painting Ultras: Ultraman - striker Ultra Seven Ultraman Ace Ultraman Taro Aliens: Alien Baltan - goalkeeper Zetton Alien Metron Alien Guts Others: Pigmon - referee Bullton - the football Birdon - viewer from above

  Drifting Biome , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 30" X 24" The painting is inspired by a scene from the second season of Prehistoric Planet . It depicts ammonites of various shapes and sizes gathering around a larger ammonite which shell is covered in algae and corals. As a "drifting biome" it provides plenty of food and places for the smaller ammonites to breed and interact. Parapuzosia is the large ammonite in the painting. The largest known species of ammonite, its shell alone measured almost three meters (9-10 ft) in diameter. As an open water organism, the ammonite drifts along the current, searching for food. The large ammonite in the painting is covered in algae and corals, which turns it into the titular drifting biome. The biome attracts a large variety of smaller ammonites with different types of shells. Baculites is a type of ammonite which had an almost straight shell that resembles a curved stick. The two-meter (6 ft) long Diplomoceras had a shell shaped lik...

Intimidating Imitator , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 18" X 18" The painting depicts an Indian cobra suspiciously looking at  Darlingtonia californica , also known as the California pitcher plant, cobra lily, or cobra plant. The name "cobra lily" or "cobra plant" stems from the resemblance of its tubular leaves to a rearing cobra, complete with a forked leaf – ranging from yellow to purplish-green – that resemble a snake's tongue. Darlingtonia is a type of pitcher plant which traps insects for nutrition in a unique way. In addition to lubricating secretions and downward-pointing hairs to force its prey into its trap, this plant uses its curled hood to hide the tiny exit hole from trapped insects and offers multiple translucent false windows to exhaust the insects inside. This plant usually thrives on serpentine soil which contains minerals of the serpentine subgroup (including lizardite and chrysotile or white asbestos). The word serpentine also means resem...

Frenchise , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 18" X 26" The painting depicts several symbols which represent the country of France. The title of the painting is a combination of the words French and franchise (which can be simply explained as a recognizable business because their signs and colors are the same). The word franchise almost resembles the French word for French, Français . The Eiffel Tower in Paris is the most recognizable landmark and the tallest building in the French capital. Built from wrought iron in the late 1880s, it has since become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most famous structures in the world. The rose is a symbol of romance, and the pink rose in the painting is said to be the Rosa 'La France', a hybrid rose cultivar found in France in 1867. A pink rose is also a symbol of elegance and admiration. Three roses are in the painting, conveying that one would fall in love in the country's romantic atmosphere, and reflects Paris's n...

  Legendary Pearl Guardian , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 23" X 18" The weedy sea dragon ( Phyllopteryx taeniolatus ), also called the common sea dragon, inhabits the waters off south and east Australia. This superbly camouflaged fish is usually found in kelp-covered rocky reefs. Compared to the leafy sea dragon, weedy sea dragons have less flamboyant projections and are usually reddish in color with yellow spots. Like its close cousin, the seahorse, the weedy sea dragon is an awkward swimmer and instead will often swirl and drift with the current like a blade of seaweed. As with seahorses, male sea dragons are responsible for childbearing. But instead of a pouch, like seahorses have, male sea dragons have a spongy brood patch on the underside of the tail where females deposit up to 250 bright-pink, pearl-like eggs during mating. The eggs are fertilized during the transfer from the female to the male. The males then incubate the eggs and carry them to term, releasing miniature se...

Paradise Meadow , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 54" X 17" The Strelitzia or bird of paradise flower is a symbol of various aspects including freedom, identity, glamour, faithfulness, joy, and paradise. Native to South Africa and now a popular flower in tropical places around the world, the  Strelitzia  is associated with many positive qualities and some spiritual meanings. The bird of paradise flower is sometimes called a crane flower because it resembles an elegant, long-necked bird. Its long stem and colorful blossoms resemble a bird with a long beak and tuft of colorful feathers on its head. These flowers, analogous to the crest of colorful feathers, grow in bunches that resemble a flock of vibrant tropical birds who are ready to take flight. Hence, the bird of paradise flower is a symbol of freedom. In addition, this native plant of South Africa also symbolizes opportunity. A land where one group of people once ruled over another (in colonialism and later, apartheid), South Af...

  A Higher Advantage , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 16" X 20" Since the days of Charles Darwin, the long necks of giraffes have been a textbook example of evolution. Giraffes' long necks put them at an advantage against other herbivores in the same location, allowing them to comfortably reach food and nutrients that most other animals cannot, especially leaves from the top of tall trees such as acacia trees. This becomes especially important for survival in habitats where food can become scarce and droughts are fairly common.  In many cultures, giraffes generally represent an ability to stand out from the crowd and as symbols of aspiration, opportunity and confidence. The giraffe inspires one to reach for the highest branch. You have the capacity to go further and higher than you ever thought possible. It also commonly represents a spiritual awakening of sorts or being able to find a new perspective on the situations in your life and how they relate to the people around ...

Concealed Confidence, acrylic on canvas, 2023. 20" X 16" The tiger is one of the most ancient symbols of spirituality around. The tiger embodies courage, confidence and bravery, as well as virtue, good luck, royalty, generosity, sensuality, and personal strength. These creatures come with elegance, vitality, beauty, mystery, and power that capture the imagination. Tigers symbolize superior strength and protection in many cultures, specifically in Asia. Because of their unrivaled status as an apex predator, the tiger exudes confidence over their domain. Tigers, which usually hunt solitarily, have no rivals in their domain, and this main reason helps them exhibit a sense of confidence in their habitat. The tiger reminds you that even if you don’t feel confident in a given situation, you can still act as if you are. In some sense, they represent our nature to be fierce warriors against all odds. They represent our fierce personalities that oppose what is wrong with the world...

  Jum-Bonding , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 16" X 20" Whether human or elephant, mothers love their children. The painting illustrates the docile and noble side of a mother elephant, tending to her young just like a human mother does. Elephants may be the most protective moms on the planet, being exceedingly vigilant with her offspring as well as protecting her child from predators and even providing shade by standing over it. Elephant calves are raised in a matriarchal (female-led) society which focuses on protection and encouragement. The maternal bond between elephants and their calves is remarkably strong, and calves were raised by their mothers till they reach adulthood. Mother elephants regularly make affectionate contact with their calves, and they also display deep emotion. By watching the adults, the calves learn basic skills, including searching for water and which plants are suitable to eat and how to access them. Elephant moms are there every step of the way and they...

  Colossal Captivation , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 20" X 30" The painting depicts a colossal squid at the bottom of the deep sea. The squid is shown with bioluminescence - the ability to produce its own light. The squid appears to use its light to captivate its prey of choice: fish. The fish become attracted to the light, and the squid would use its long tentacles to capture the fish. The deep sea background contains hydrothermal vents and tube worms. Like hot springs and geysers on land, hydrothermal vents form in volcanically active areas—often on mid-ocean ridges and release heat and chemicals such as sulphur which cause "smoke" to come out. Hydrothermal vents act as natural plumbing systems that transport heat and chemicals from the interior of the Earth and help regulate global ocean chemistry. Giant tube worms ( Riftia pachyptila ) anchor their tails to an underwater surface and secretes around their bodies a mineral tube, into which they can withdraw their who...

Know Your Position , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 30" X 24" The painting depicts a food web of the ocean, and every creature in this painting has a role to play in this complex food web based on their trophic level, which is their position in the food web. Producers Plankton are aquatic organisms that are unable to swim effectively against currents. There are two types: zooplankton and phytoplankton. Phytoplankton or plant plankton serve as the chief producer in the oceans. They are mostly green due to having chloroplasts, which enables them to carry out photosynthesis. They drift in the ocean's surface to take in sunlight. Low-level consumers Zooplankton or animal plankton comprise of various types of small animals such as fish fry, small invertebrates and their larvae. They usually feed on phytoplankton, which are generally smaller. Corals get their food from algae living in their tissues or by capturing and digesting prey, especially plankton. Most reef-building corals hav...

  Lucky Patch , acrylic on canvas, 2023. 30" X 20" This artwork which combines several lucky symbols is made to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit in 2023.  Rabbits have been considered a symbol of fortune for over 2,000 years. In both Eastern and European cultures, rabbits have been associated with the spring season and fertility. Nine rabbits and hares are present in the painting, and nine is a lucky number which is symbolic of higher attainment, accomplishment, and success.  The Flemish Giant (background) is the largest breed of domestic rabbit in the world, weighing around 7-8 kilograms (15-18 lbs) and measuring around 80 centimeters long, while the Netherland Dwarf is one of the smallest rabbit breeds, with two in the painting being colored brown and grey.  Jackrabbits like the black-tailed jackrabbit (left) are hares because they have large, long ears, long legs, and a larger body than rabbits. The Arctic (middle right) and snowshoe hares (bottom left) live in co...