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.Initially used as a replacement for oil paints which were unavailable during the Japanese Occupation (1942-1945), Liu discovered that pastel lends itself better to the depiction of human figures and it became his favourite medium for portraiture. Against a background of vigorous strokes, a girl prepares to throw a discus.
