Born in Fujian Province, Liu Kang (1911-2004) received his formal training in Shanghai Academy of Fine Art, where he was exposed to Chinese paintings. In 1928, he went to Paris where he was influenced by art movements such as Fauvism and Post-Impressionism. Not only was he one of Singapore’s pioneer artists, he was also a leading figure in the Society of Chinese Artists and the Singapore Art Society. In 1970, he was awarded the Public Service Star for his contributions in the field of art.This series of portraits by Liu during the 1940s shows heavy influence from the Paris Academy, through the emphasis on form and structure adding to its volume and solidity of forms. These portraits are among the number of artworks that Liu regarded as studies.
