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.After his formative years in Paris, Liu returned to China in 1933 to teach in his alma mater. Liu often brought his students on outdoor painting trips and it was likely that he painted on those trips too; this painting, completed in 1936, could have resulted from one such trip. Liu left the school in 1937.
