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.The historic trip to Bali in 1952 introduced many new sights and experiences to Liu and his fellow artists, and provided new subject matter for their art, resulting in numerous sketches and studies of the people and places of the exotic island. Liu documented batik-making and this sketch shows different views of the women drawing on cloth.
