Artist

Liu Kang

Liu Kang

Liu Kang

About the artist

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About Our Artist

Born in Fujian Province in 1911, Liu Kang spent his early years in British Malaya and studied art in Shanghai and Paris. He is one of the pioneer artists in Singapore who influenced the future generation of artists not only through his works but also through his leadership in the Singapore Art Society and Association of Chinese Artists of Singapore. In 1970, the Singapore Government awarded Liu with the Public Service Star and in 1996 he was honoured with the Meritorious Service Medal.

He is well-known for his Balinese-themed figurative paintings and calligraphy. In May 2003, he gave the majority of his works to the Singapore Art Museum.

Liu was inspired by and often appropriated the styles of French-based modernist painters and Asian styles of art. Both these influences can be also seen in the Nanyang Style which Liu Kang developed together with fellow Singaporean artists. The Nanyang Style uses Chinese ink or oil on canvas and emerged during post-WWII where there was a need for a strong Southeast Asian identity. This style is unique to Southeast Asia and is now an art style associated with the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

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刘抗

刘抗（1911－2004），是世界艺术大师刘海粟的得意门生，1937年移居马来西亚。1942年定居新加坡。先后担任过上海美术专科学校西洋画专任教授，全国第二届美展评审委员，新加坡中华美术研究会会长，新加坡艺术协会会长，新加坡国庆美术展工作委员会主席，新加坡文化部美术咨询委员会主席，开创了“南洋画”派，是新加坡画坛泰斗、大宗师，作品为50多个国家画院、美术馆、博物馆、大学和几十位国家元首个人收藏，荣获第三届亚细安文化艺术创作奖，新加坡共和国服务星章，新加坡卓越功绩服务勋章，法国国家文学艺术军官服务星章。

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刘抗——南洋风格

刘抗曾说“在南洋有很多值得我们去描绘的地方，特别是那些岛国自然风光很美，它的人物，人文的活动水准很高，所以它的建筑，它的舞蹈，它的音乐都有它特殊的情绪。特别富有南洋的情绪。所以我们1955年就搬到巴厘岛去实地写生。 ”


　　    在1952年，刘抗与三位画家陈文希、钟泗滨、陈宗瑞结伴到印尼峇厘岛旅游写生创作到巴厘岛去写生，创作出大批具有浓郁南洋特色的作品。作品在英国展出后，引起极大的轰动，人们被画中洋溢的热情奔放的情绪所震惊，称他们为南洋风格的创始者。 


　　    刘抗所创作的南洋作品在手法上有一点半原始的味道。他希望保持人类原有的一种气息，建立原创的南洋艺术，不要受国际文明的影响太多。

 
　　    亚答木屋、印度舞蹈、回教教堂、巴厘岛风情尽收画家笔下，刘抗以跨文化的视野，不但从中国的传统艺术、西方现代艺术，而且也从南洋多民族文化艺术中汲取营养。多元文化培育了刘抗独特的绘画风格。随着刘抗“南洋画派”的确立，他在新加坡以及国际文化界赢得了巨大的声誉。为表彰刘抗对新加坡文化事业的贡献，新加坡总统两次授予他卓越贡献服务奖章。 


　　    晚年的刘抗仍孜孜不倦于习画与作画之间，他还经常赴世界各地举办画展和学术交流，在中国、欧洲、东南亚之间架设起了艺术沟通和融合的桥梁。 


　    　刘抗在逝世于2004年6月1日 。他当时享年94岁。
　　    刘抗一生勤于做画，然而却很少卖画。在他即将离去的时候，他把自己最得意的一千件作品捐献给了新加坡美术馆。然而他留下的不仅仅是他的作品，一直从事教育事业的他，毫无保留的把自己的绘画经验与他的学生分享，如今他培养的年轻画家已经遍布世界各国。

Liu received his art education from the best of both hemispheres. Translated these influences and incorporated local Southeast Asian flavours into his work to create the distinct Nanyang style. Attributed to Singapore’s pioneer artists – Chen Wen Hsi, Chen Chong Swee, Cheong Soo Pieng and Liu Kang, the Nanyang style of art first emerged after the four pioneer artists’ return from a study-cum-painting trip in Bali in 1952.

Some of his well-known paintings from this era include: “Artist and Model” (1954), “Batik Workers” (1954) and “Balinese Girl in Red Sarong” (undated). 

Liu Kang is a prolific artist and painter. His oeuvre of works is extensive and includes oil painting, pastel, Chinese ink painting, and calligraphy. Over Liu’s lifetime, he had been exhibited in Singapore and overseas including France, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and the United States.

Timeline of Liu Kang’s Life:

1917–1926: His childhood years were spent in Muar, Malaya.
1926–1928: He enrolled in the Xinhua Art Academy, Shanghai, China.
1928–1933: His continued his art studies at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris.
1933–1937: He became a professor of western painting at Shanghai College of Fine Arts.
1937: Weds Chen Jen Pen in Shanghai.
1937–1945: The couple moved to Muar when the Japanese invaded Shanghai. The couple then arrived in Singapore, where Liu teaches art at Nan Chiao Teachers’ Trainnig College Singapore and Chung Cheng High School. Japanese forces attacked Singapore. Thus they returned to Muar, where Liu opened a coffeeshop with his brother. They go back to Singapore to escape Japanese persecution
1946: He released his multivolume illustrated work, Chop Suey, on the atrocities during the Japanese Occupation.
1957: He held his first solo exhibition in Singapore.
1968: He became the founding member of the Singapore Art Society and became its president for 10 consecutive years.
1981: One of his largest local exhibition, Liu Kang Retrospective, was held at the National Museum Singapore. Over 200 artworks were displayed
1983: Liu Kang Exhibition Tour in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung and Tainan in Taiwan.
1989: Paintings by Liu Kang exhibition was held at the National Museum Art Gallery
1997: Liu Kang at 87 exhibition was held at the Singapore Art Museum.
1998: Liu Kang at 88 exhibition was held at the Singapore Soka Association where 72 works of his family members were included.
2000:  His first solo exhibition in Beijing, China
2003: Liu Kang donated all his works to the Singapore Art Museum. Over 1000 works were donated.
2004: Liu Kang passes away of natural causes.

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Calligraphy - Ink on paper
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Rambutan - Chinese ink painting
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Calligraphy - Ink on paper
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Chinese ink on paper

Liu Kang Artwork

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Outdoor Painting (In Johore)

Oil on canvas

85.5 cm x 127.2 cm

National Gallery Art Collection

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Offerings

Oil on canvas

1215 cm x 1540 cm

Liu Kang Family Collection at Singapore Art Museum

Artist and Model

Oil on canvas

1240 cm x 840 cm

National Heritage Board Art Collection

Life by the River

Oil on canvas

126 cm x 203 cm

National Gallery Art Collection

Durian Vendor

Oil on canvas

47.5 cm x 118.5 cm

National Gallery Art Collection

Souri

Oil on canvas

894 cm x 1391 cm x 65 cm

Liu Kang Family Collection at Singapore Art Museum

Upcoming exhibition: 31 Oct-2 Nov 2025 <THE PRIVATE ART SALE II>

The Private Art Sales 2 Singapore Asia Art Collective

From 31 October to 2 November 2025, collectors and art enthusiasts will have an exclusive opportunity to experience Yeo Hoe Koon’s legacy at The Private Art Sale 2:

📍 Location: Artspace @ Helutrans, 39 Keppel Road, #01-05, Singapore
📅 Dates: 31 October 4pm-8pm (VIP Preview) | 1-2 November 10am-8pm (Public Viewing)
⏰ Time: 11:00am – 8:00pm daily

This highly anticipated event will present more than 100 carefully curated artworks offered at 20%–80% below current market prices, providing collectors with a rare chance to obtain meaningful pieces of Singapore’s art history while engaging deeply with the artist’s legacy.

Click here to enquire for E-catalogue & RSVP your attendance!

About us – Asia Art Collective

For years, Asia Arts Collective is an advisory and consultancy specialised in Singapore and Asian Modern and Contemporary Art. Professional art services include providing clients with art advice on Mo Ni’s artwork purchase and sales, Mo Ni’s artwork valuation and assessment, art acquisition and collection planning, Mo Ni’s artworks sale and brokerage, as well as art commissioning and artwork sourcing. Asia Art Collective seeks to promote a culture of art appreciation and Mo Ni’s artworks acquisition and collection for Singapore art, modern and contemporary Asian art through its diverse and rotating art exhibitions and art appreciation programmes, courses and talks. Enquire with Asia Art Collective for advice and support and on your art-collecting journey.
Contact curator for artwork consultancy & viewing of Mo Ni’s artworks:

WhatsApp& Call : 62550711 (Office) & 67332155 (Office), 90056716 (Iola Liu), 92398226 (Iola Liu)

Email: info@asiaartcollective.com

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The Private Art Sale II

Fan Shao Hua

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Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
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Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
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Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.
Academy Drawing Traditions
The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.
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Agree Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions – Neon Glow Art Jamming & Colour Blast Party (Saturday Sessions Only)

  1. Participation
    • Participation in the Neon Glow Art Jamming & Colour Blast Party is voluntary. By participating, all participants acknowledge that they understand and accept the nature of the activities and agree to participate at their own risk.
  2. Health & Safety
    • The event takes place in an outdoor festival environment featuring bright lighting effects, flashing lights, amplified music, and high sound levels, which may not be suitable for individuals who are sensitive to light, sound, or have related medical conditions.
    • Participants are responsible for ensuring that they are medically fit to participate in the activities.
  3. Colour Blast Party
    • The Colour Blast Party uses coloured cornflour powder.
    • By participating in the Colour Blast Party, participants confirm that they:
      • Do not have any known allergy or sensitivity to cornflour, corn, coloured powder, or similar materials.
      • Do not suffer from asthma, respiratory conditions, or any medical condition that may be aggravated by airborne powder.
      • Understand the nature of the activity and voluntarily choose to participate.
  4. Face & Body Painting
    • Optional face and/or body painting may be available during the event.
    • Participants choosing to receive face or body painting confirm that they have no known allergies or skin conditions that may be affected by cosmetic or body paint products. Participants with sensitive skin are advised to refrain from participating.
  5. Assumption of Risk
    • Participants acknowledge that participation in the event, including but not limited to art jamming, the Colour Blast Party, face and/or body painting, and related activities, carries inherent risks, including accidental slips, falls, minor injuries, allergic reactions, respiratory irritation, or other unforeseen incidents.
  6. Indemnity and Release
    • By participating in the event, participants agree, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to release, discharge, and indemnify Visual Arts Centre, CHIJMES, their respective officers, employees, volunteers, contractors, sponsors, partners, and representatives from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, expenses, injuries, or actions arising out of or in connection with participation in the event, except where such claims arise directly from the negligence or wilful misconduct of the organisers.
  7. Personal Responsibility
    • Participants are responsible for their own personal belongings and should exercise reasonable care while participating. Appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for an outdoor event are recommended.
  8. Organiser's Rights
    • Visual Arts Centre and CHIJMES reserve the right to refuse participation or remove any participant whose behaviour is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or poses a risk to others. The organisers also reserve the right to modify, postpone, suspend, or cancel the event due to weather, safety concerns, or unforeseen circumstances.

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Terms & Conditions For All Course/Workshop(s) at Visual Arts Centre (VAC):