Hyperrealistic acrylic and resin animals

Singaporean artist Keng Lye creates unusual 3D images of animals using acrylic paint and epoxy resin. These unique works of art are a combination of sculpture and painting. They are so realistic that it seems as if you can dip your fingers into the “liquid” and touch the animals depicted.

Keng Lai was born in Singapore on August 24, 1964. He graduated from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts with a degree in graphic design in 1988. In 1986, Lai began working as an art director in advertising and founded his own graphic design company in 1995. During this time, he began to develop an interest in digital art, mainly depicting people, fish, and flowers.

In 2010, Keng shifted his focus to hyper-realistic depictions of sea creatures created using resin and paint. Five years later, he became a full-time artist and held his first solo exhibition at Scotts Square Shopping Mall on Orchard Road in Singapore.

Lai uses a unique technique to capture animals such as goldfish, shrimp, and turtles in everyday objects. The process of creating each work is quite labor-intensive. The artist pours epoxy resin into a container, applying an image on each layer using acrylic paints. The resulting combination of layers creates a sense of volume and depth of the object in question.

This painstaking technique requires the gradual application of layers of resin and paint, which is time-consuming and can take anywhere from 10 to 45 days. His works, which range in price from $3,500 to $21,000, are highly sought after and are made with exceptional attention to detail. One of his most expensive pieces, “Kopi-O-ctopi,” sold for $9,000.

Lai began his art form after a friend challenged him to replicate the works of Japanese artist Ryusuke Fukahori. The Singaporean put his own twist on them by using everyday objects such as coffee cups, bowls and grocery bags as canvases.

Lai's popularity came when he posted photos of his work on DeviantArt, receiving rave reviews. After that, interest in his work began to grow, and he began receiving numerous requests for purchases and interviews. Despite his popularity, the artist prefers to stay out of the spotlight and leads a modest life, doing everyday things and working when time allows.