The Art of Khik Weng Keat

Oriental Legacy , acrylic on canvas, 2025. 24" X 24" The artist combines his love for animals and Eastern culture to produce this painting that depicts the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations grouped with their respective Chinese Zodiac signs. North - Black Tortoise - Pig, Rat and Ox East - Green Dragon - Tiger, Rabbit and Dragon South - Red Phoenix - Snake, Horse and Goat West - White Tiger - Monkey, Rooster and Dog The Four Symbols also represent four virtues: Black Tortoise - Stability, restraint, longevity Green Dragon - Life and imperial power  Red Phoenix - Happiness and bliss White Tiger - Power, fortune, marriage Given their divine status, the Four Symbols are said to be capable of shifting into various aspects of life, including the four seasons, protectors of Taoist temples and aspects of Feng Shui. The I Ching (易經), also known as the Book of Changes, traces the roots of the Four Symbols back to the beginnings of the world, and alleges that...

Elder Serpent's Blessing , acrylic on canvas, 2025. 24" X 24" The artist welcomes the Year of the Snake with this painting depicting an albino Burmese python with red pineapples and sugar cane. The albino Burmese python is chosen as the snake in the painting for its white and yellow scales, which make it look like it is gold in color. In Chinese culture, snakes are spiritual animals that represent wisdom, knowledge, good fortune, fertility, and longevity. According to ancient legends, the Snake has its own underground kingdom with numerous precious treasures, and those who are eager to make a great fortune should pray in the temple of the Snake. Red pineapples have become a modern symbol for prosperity and protection during the Chinese New Year and are favored for combining two ancient traditions into one decoration. The red pineapple is a rare cultivar that is believed to have originated in South America and is often grown as an ornamental plant.  The Chin...

  Gorgeously Green , acrylic on canvas, 2024. 20" X 20" Series 3 in Colors of the Wild In many Eastern cultures, green snakes hold a positive connotation and are often regarded as auspicious symbols. In Chinese mythology, the green snake is associated with wealth, good fortune, and prosperity. It is believed to bring luck and abundance to those who encounter it. In Hinduism, the green snake represents kundalini energy, the spiritual life force that resides within every individual and can lead to enlightenment when awakened. In some interpretations, green snakes are associated with healing and medicine.  The dominant color scheme in the painting are green hues, shown by the snake (an emerald tree boa) and the rainforest setting filled with plants. Green is associated with nature. The color green symbolizes peace and tranquility, as well as hope, harmony, and optimism. Green is a very down–to–earth color. It can represent new beginnings and growth. It also signifies renewal...

  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 ...

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...

Serpentine Sensation , acrylic on canvas, 2022. 20" X 30" Snakes have no legs, yet they could move at high speeds on the ground, climb trees with ease, swim well and a few even glide in the air. There are almost 2400 species of snake, and all of them are predators. Some snakes carry venom while others, especially the larger ones, do not. The reticulated python ( Malayopython reticulatus ) is a massive snake commonly found in India and Southeast Asia. It is the world's longest snake, reaching up to 10 meters from nose to tail, but is also the third heaviest behind the green anaconda and the Burmese python. It is named for the complex geometric pattern on its skin, which enables the snake to blend into its surroundings in order to protect it from predators and helps it catch its prey. Like all large snakes, the python does not carry venom and attacks its prey by coiling. The emerald tree boa ( Corallus caninus , top) has a bright green body that provides excellent camouflag...

  Scaly Success Story , acrylic on canvas, 2021. 24" X 18" Reptiles are animals which have dry, scaly skin and lay their eggs on dry land. They were considered as one of the animal kingdom's greatest success stories as they had evolved to adapt to extreme climates and conditions. There are about 6,560 species of reptile, which are divided into main groups including crocodilians, lizards, snakes and chelonians (turtles and tortoises). Saltwater Crocodile The saltwater crocodile ( Crocodylus porosus ) is the largest crocodilian, measuring up to 6 meters or more in length. A powerful ambush predator, its jaws had the strongest bite of any living animal. Unlike most crocodiles, the saltwater crocodile also inhabits brackish and salt water habitats like mangrove swamps, river deltas and even open beaches. It can be found from eastern India to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Reticulated Python The reticulated python ( Malayopython reticulatus ) is a massive snake commonl...

MAJESTIC MENAGERIE III 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. 3 , acrylic on canvas, 2020. Set of 9, each piece 8" X 8"  Gorilla Mountain Gorilla, acrylic on canvas, 2020 Gorillas are the largest of the great apes. They are mostly vegetarians and live in large groups. Gorillas are also considered to be highly intelligent and have been observed to use tools in the wild. The dominant male in a group of gorillas is called a silverback. Snow Leopard Snow Leopard, acrylic on canvas, 2020 The snow leopard is...