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 not painted primarily to document life, works like ‘The Durian Vendor’ allow the later generations a glimpse of a bygone era. Compositionally interestingly, Liu has placed the vendor in the centre of the canvas, with his back to the viewers while presenting his customers ,in a line, variously inspecting, prying open and eating durians. Known as ‘King of Fruits’ in this region, durians are often sold together with mangosteens, known as ‘Queen of Fruits’, seen here strewned around the vendor.
