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.In this painting of the Padang, Liu adopts a familiar compositional format whereby a tree in the foreground serves as a framing device. On the left are the Victoria Concert Hall and Singapore Cricket Club; on the right is the former Supreme Court.
