Life by the River

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. 'Life By The River'� portrays a typical, local scene of village life in the 1970s near the Pasir Panjang area, located at the western part of Singapore. Set against a backdrop of lush tropical scenery, the painting depicts the lively activities of the locals in the foreground. Nearer the centre of the work, Liu also captures a typical aspect of the kampong living people feeding their domestic animals (ducks). The architectural features of the village houses, its supports and the walkway linking the kampong houses are also depicted in some detail.