The Art of Khik Weng Keat

  Infinite Destinations , acrylic on canvas, 2025. 24" X 24" There are many countries in the world and every country has a famous destination and an associated animal symbol. The artist pairs tourist destinations with their respective nations' national animals, arranged around a globe. The artist attempts to express the cultural landscape of multiple nations by pairing these symbolic aspects.  United States - Statue of Liberty - Bald Eagle United Kingdom - Elizabeth Tower - Lion France - Eiffel Tower - Rooster Egypt - Great Pyramid - Falcon India - Taj Mahal - Elephant and Tiger China - Great Wall - Panda Australia - Sydney Opera House - Kangaroo Italy - Colosseum - Wolf Japan's Mount Fuji and a Stone Statue of Easter Island are also seen in the painting, although their national animal pairings (Japan - green pheasant; Chile - Andean condor) are absent. The painting is inspired by this image from a tourism advertisement:

  Salam Aidiladha , acrylic on canvas, 2025. 8" X 8" This painting is made as a special gift to a neighbour during the Aidiladha festival, a festival dedicated to the values of sacrifice, obedience, and trust in God's will. The writing above the painting is "Salam Aidiladha" written in Arabic calligraphy. The Kaabah is the main focus of the painting, as the annual Aidiladha festival sees many Muslims around the world travelling to the sacred city of Mecca during the festival to visit the structure, located in the Masjid-al-Haram (Great Sacred Mosque), in order to perform the Hajj as a mandatory religious duty (one of the 5 pillars of Islam). Date palms and their fruits are significant in Arab and Islamic culture, representing sustenance, prosperity, and resilience, and providing a staple food source during Islamic festivals. The oil lamp represents both light and hope for a bright future. The camels hold a great significance in Arab culture, serving as a symbol ...