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.This painting, one of the few to have survived from the early years of Liu’s artistic oeuvre when he was studying in Paris, provides insights into his early practice. The exposure to the art of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists is evident in this painting.
