Durian Vendor

Liu Kang (1911-2004) was born in Fujian Province, China and received his formal training in Xinhua Art Academy of Shanghai, 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. 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 contribution in the field of art. Although not painted primarily to document life, works like �'The Durian Vendor'� allows the younger generations a glimpse of a bygone era. The composition is interesting as Liu placed the vendor in the centre of the canvas, with his back to the viewers while presenting his customers in a line, variously inspecting, prying open and eating durians. Known as �King of Fruits� in this region, durians are often sold together with mangosteens, known as �Queen of Fruits�, seen here strewn around the vendor.