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.Wherever Liu travelled, he would paint the people and landscape of the country. This painting shows a multiple arch bridge topped with a Chinese roof; in the far distance are lofty mountains. A preparatory sketch for this painting, dated 1974, is in the museum’s collection.
