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.To Liu, life drawing is the most challenging art practice as the variables change at every session. However he felt that it helps an artist hone his observation skills, and aids his understanding towards composition and forms of lines. Throughout his artistic career, Liu kept up with his figure studies, even through the troubled times of the1940s and 1950s.
