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.During the 1952 trip to Bali, Liu, together with fellow artists Chen Wen Hsi, Chen Chong Swee and Cheong Soo Pieng met Belgian painter, Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres and his wife, Ni Pollok. She had often posed for Le Mayeur and is here, the subject for Liu’s art.
