Visiting Liu Kang: A Centennial Celebration at the Singapore Art Museum and wondering which artworks to look out for?  Well, check out these 5 artworks with insider tips from exhibition curator Zhen Min.

Liu Haisu’s Tenth Trip to Mount Huangshan

Liu Kang, Liu Haisu’s Tenth Trip to Mount Huangshan, 1989, oil on canvas, 126 x 170 cm, gift of Liu Kang Family, collection of National Heritage Board

This major work by Liu Kang was a tribute to Liu Haisu, his former teacher and life-long friend.  Liu Haisu played an important influence on the young Liu Kang and shaped his ideas on how modern art assimilated Chinese and western art.  He also impressed upon Liu Kang the importance of life drawing as the foundation of all art.  In this work, Liu Kang painted his teacher at work in front of the scenic landscape of Mount Huangshan, China.  It reflects his interest in depicting other artists at work – a theme evident in various other works.

Siesta

Liu Kang, Siesta, 1952, pastel on paper, 73 x 54 cm, gift of Liu Kang Family, collection of National Heritage Board

Prolific in drawings and sketches, Liu Kang believed that one must master the fundamental skills of drawing before moving on to other mediums like oils, watercolours and pastels.  Siesta is a typical example embodying his belief, and was used as a study piece for later oil works by the artist.  This work was produced by Liu Kang during the historic 1952 trip made to Bali together with fellow luminaries Chen Wen Hsi, Chen Chong Swee and Cheong Soo Pieng.

Life by the River

Liu Kang, Life by the River, 1975, oil on canvas, 126 x 203 cm, gift of Mr. Liu Kang, collection of National Heritage Board

Well regarded as a master of composition, Liu Kang’s expertise is seen in the complex manner in which this work captured different layers of meanings.  Look closely and you can see groups of people engaged in different activities.  Each group is cleverly placed at specific points in the landscape of the painting, capturing one’s interest.  Uniting the many figures and their activities is the walkway, which leads the eye of the viewer in a wandering path from one group of figures to the next.

Souri

Liu Kang, Souri, 1953, oil on canvas, 120 x 70 cm, gift of Liu Kang Family, collection of National Heritage Board

Painted in 1953, Souri was created for the 1953 Bali exhibition held after the group’s historic painting trip to Bali.  Bali’s exotic culture and beautiful landscape provided a rich source of visual material for Liu Kang.  Works such as Souri became the inspiration for an entire school of art known as the Nanyang Style.

In Souri, Liu Kang pays special attention in depicting the costume of the dancer, with textile patterns adding a general decorative sense to the work.  One can also spot the characteristic heavy black outline used by the artist around the body.

After the Fire I

Liu Kang, After the Fire I, 1951, oil on canvas, 99 x 132 cm, collection of National Heritage Board

After his move to Singapore in 1937, Liu Kang created a body of works focused on the everyday lives of the local people.  During the 1950s and 60s, fires were a common occurrence due to the flammable building materials used.  Some of the results were devastating, such as the Bukit Ho Swee fire.  In After the Fire, Liu Kang depicts the sobering aftermath of a fire.  In the background, building columns are the only remnants of the structure, and people can be seen attempting to salvage their belongings.

For more enchanting stories behind the artworks, sign up for our curator tours.  These FREE tours are limited to 30 registered participants per tour, so hurry!  To register, email Masitah at masitah_ismail@nhb.gov.sg

Tour in English
16 September 2011, Friday
7:30pm – 8.30pm

Tour in Mandarin
23 September 2011, Friday
7.30pm – 8.30pm

Meeting point: Singapore Art Museum Lobby

For more information, please visit www.nationalartgallery.sg/liukangexhibition