The Art of Khik Weng Keat

  Hymenopus coronatus , acrylic on canvas, 2026. 24" X 36" 1 of 4 in the Mantis Maestros series The orchid mantis ( Hymenopus coronatus ) is a species of flower mantis that lived in the lush rainforests of Southeast Asia. It has  evolved to mimic orchid flowers as a hunting and camouflage strategy, "hiding" themselves in plain view and preying upon pollinating insects. The four walking legs resemble flower petals, and the toothed front pair is used as in other mantises for grasping prey.  The painting perfectly captures the mantis's elegant, solitary and mysterious essence, with a natural colour combination of pink, cream and soft green. Handled with a rare cleanliness and exquisite delicacy, it also comes with a touch of persistence within its delicateness, as well as an interplay of light and shadow against a pure black background, creating an almost tranquil visual poetry. This refined and  visually striking mastery of composition stems not only from keen i...