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.After his return from France in 1933, Liu went to teach at his alma mater. Among his colleagues were distinguished artists Pan Tianshou and Huang Binhong. Not restricting his students to indoor classes, Liu often brought them out on painting trips and this painting could have resulted from one of the trips.
