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 the 1950s, Liu experimented with the technique of batik painting with his friend and fellow artist, Chuah Thean Teng. Although painted in oil, the use of white colour to delineate spaces between the boats and people shows the influence of batik.
