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.Liu travelled frequently to different parts of Southeast Asia to seek inspiration and to depict the unique life and culture of the region in his art. Around this period, Liu’s art starts to show signs of stylization and simplification, especially for the human form. Unusual in this depiction of two Malay ladies is the flat, white background.
