The World of Serama Chicken Beauty Pageant in Malaysia

The world of chicken beauty pageants in Malaysia where he encountered a breed of bird called the Ayam Seramas, an ornate chicken raised not for its meat but purely for its appearance. These chickens not only have decorative plumage but possess the ability to strike ridiculous poses. You might think these photos are somehow manipulated (or worse, the animals forced into these positions) but a behind-the-scenes video by Goh shows the chicken’s ability to strut just as depicted. The book, titled Cocks: The Chicken Book, is available now through his website. All photos courtesy the artist.

Judges watch as Serama chicken struts down a judging table during a beauty contest at Kampung Pandan in Kuala Lumpur. Marching imperiously with a puffed-out chest and soldier's ramrod posture, Mohamad Hatta Yahaya's tiny chicken strutted its rich yellow plumage for a stone-faced judge.

 A Malaysian family watches during a Serama Chicken beauty contest at Kampung Pandan in Kuala Lumpur.

Particiapants prepare their Serama chickens ahead of a beauty contest at Kampung Pandan in Kuala Lumpur.

(AFP Photo)