To commemorate the 100th year of the birth of Liu Kang, a highly regarded and respected Singapore artist, the National Art Gallery, Singapore is organising Liu Kang: A Centennial Celebration. Featuring 100 artworks, sketches, writings and artefacts, the exhibition invites art enthusiasts and visitors alike to explore the life and mind of the prolific artist known for being one of the founders of the Nanyang movement. Visitors can also learn about his artistic beliefs and his insights on art and culture.
The late Liu Kang (1911 to 2004) played a key role in the development of Singapore’s art scene. In 1952, along with Cheong Soo Pieng, Chen Chong Swee and Chen Wen Hsi, Liu made the historic field trip to Bali. The visual inspiration gathered then provided the
catalyst for some of his later works. In the eyes of many arts scholars, the Bali trip was regarded as a milestone event contributing to the birth of the Nanyang art style - an important juncture in Singapore’s art history.
Liu dedicated more than 33 years of his life to art education. He played a leading role in promoting the arts to the community and served as the President of the Society of Chinese Artists for more than a decade. Although the society was located in Singapore, it united artists from all across Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam. He was also one of the founding members of the Singapore Art Society, which warmly welcomed anyone interested in art, regardless of ethnicity or nationality.
Mr Kwok Kian Chow, Director of the National Art Gallery, Singapore, said, “Believing that art is ’the spirit and soul of a people‘, Liu Kang emphasised the importance of raising artistic standards and art appreciation within the community. A key player in realising the Nanyang School in art, he played a strong and significant influence on the next generation of artists in Singapore. We are happy to put together this exhibition to showcase his distinctive painting style and legacy.”
Launched in the conjunction with this exhibition is the Gallery’s second title in the Asian Artist Series featuring the artistic talents of Southeast Asia. Entitled Liu Kang: Colourful Modernist, the monograph presents Liu Kang in his voyage as an astute observer, commentator and visionary of modernity in Singapore art history. The publication offers fresh insights on the artist’s engagement with European and Chinese modernists in a Singaporean context. Previously unpublished archival photographs, along with 200 illustrations, are included in the publication.
For the first time, a range of limited-edition merchandise featuring Liu Kang’s colourful artworks has also been specially produced for sale at the Museum Shops.
Liu Kang: A Centennial Celebration is the latest in the series of research exhibitions organised by the Gallery, following Realism in Asian Art, The Story of Yeh Chi Wei and Cheong Soo Pieng: Bridging Worlds exhibitions held last year. These exhibitions enable the Gallery to garner audience reactions and feedback, while fine-tuning our ideas and concepts. Organised by the National Art Gallery, Singapore and supported by the National Heritage Board, the exhibition will be on display at the Singapore Art Museum from 29 July to 16 October 2011.
About the Artist
Liu Kang was born in Yongchun, Fujian Province, China in 1911. When he was six, he moved to Muar, where he received his primary school education.
In 1926, Liu Kang returned to China to study at Jinan Academy (上海暨南大学附中). He attended a two-month vacation art course at the Shanghai College of Fine Arts (上海美术专科学校), during which his artistic talent was given recognition. Thereafter, he was admitted into the second year of the art programme at the college.
In 1928, Liu Kang joined the Xinhua Arts Academy (新华艺术专科学校). Upon graduation he went to Paris, attending classes at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière from 1928 – 33. During his stay in Paris, Liu Kang was greatly influenced by artists such as Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh and Henri Matisse.
Besides being an artist, Liu Kang was also involved in teaching. In 1933, he started on his first teaching job at the Shanghai College of Fine Arts, where he taught Western art. From 1937 – 42, he also taught art at Chung Cheng High School and the Nanchiau Teachers’ Training School. Following the Japanese surrender in 1945, Liu Kang resumed teaching at Chung Cheng High School. Other schools he had previously taught at include the Chinese High School, Nanyang Girls’ High School, Nan Hua Primary School and Dunman Government Chinese Middle School. Liu retired from teaching in 1971.
Liu Kang was also the president of the Society of Chinese Artists from 1946 – 58. He founded the Singapore Art Society in 1949 and was its president from 1968 – 79. He was also the chairman of the National Day Art Exhibition Committee from 1969 – 77 and of the Visual Arts Advisory Committee in the Ministry of Culture from 1978 – 81.
In 1952, Liu Kang, together with Cheong Soo Pieng, Chen Wen Hsi and Chen Chong Swee, went on a learning expedition to Bali. Following the trip, the group held the “Bali Exhibition” at the British Council Hall in Singapore. This exhibition has been widely perceived as marking the beginning of the Nanyang School.
Liu Kang received the Public Service Star Award in 1970 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 1996. In 1999, he was awarded the title of Officier dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) for strengthening cultural exchange between France and Singapore.
In 2004, Liu Kang passed away at the age of 93.
Please note that this exhibition is held at Singapore Art Museum.
