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.In 1952, Liu, together with fellow artists Chen Wen Hsi, Chen Chong Swee and Cheong Soo Pieng, made the historic trip to Bali. The exotic life, culture and beautiful landscape of the island provided the artists with rich visual imageries and inspiration which set the tone for the Nanyang style. The Balinese dancer in this pastel study appears in a 1953 similarly titled oil painting which is also in SAM collection.
