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.This is an unusual painting where the sprays of orchids have been left unpainted in dramatic contrast to the vigour and movement of the brush strokes for the background. The composition of the work is equally striking. This is one of several paintings of orchids in the SAM collection.
