Batik Workers

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. In the 1950s, Liu experimented with the technique of batik painting with his friend and fellow artist, Chuah Thean Teng. Although painted in oil, �'Batik Workers'� shows the influence of batik: white outlines, large areas of single flat colour and the elimination of small details.