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.Although mainly an oil painter, the Japanese Occupation (1942-1945) forced Liu to seek alternative mediums as oil paints were unavailable. Pastel, whose luminosity is not diluted by liquid agents, caught Liu’s eye and it became one of his favourite mediums for portraiture.
