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 every session. However he felt that this helps an artist hone his observation skills, and aids his understanding of composition and forms of lines. Throughout his artistic career, Liu kept up with his practice of life drawing, even during the troubled times of the 1940s and 1950s.
