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.From the 1940s to 1950s, Liu travelled widely in Malaya. During these trips, he observed and painted the people, their way of life and the landscape. Here, Liu depicts a group of Samsui women—immigrants from China who work as labourers—panning for tin ore in a river.
