Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 8 works by Liu Kang in our catalogue
In short
To the gallery's eye, Liu Kang's most famous painting is Life by the River, whose original hangs in the National Gallery Singapore, Singapore. Malay Man and Artist and Model complete the trio every eye recognises. Of the 8 works by Liu Kang in our catalog, the gallery presents the 8 most famous below, each original with its year, its museum and what makes it unique.
In the captivating oil painting Life by the River, the artist Liu Kang invites viewers into a world where time seems to slow, allowing the vibrant pulse of Southeast Asian village life to take center stage. This expansive work, measuring an impressive 203 x 126 cm, functions as more than just a landscape; it is a narrative tapestry woven with the threads of daily human connection. As your eyes wander…
Liu Kang’s “Malay Man,” painted in 1942, isn't merely a portrait; it’s a carefully constructed tableau vivant – a snapshot of life in the heart of Southeast Asia during a pivotal moment in history. The painting immediately draws the eye to its subject: a dignified Malay man seated on a simple bench, his posture radiating an understated authority and quiet contemplation. He wears a traditional hat, a subtle emblem of…
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�
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
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�
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
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
The four subjects that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.
The 2 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Liu Kang | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 National Museum of Singapore |
Singapore | 5 | Batik Workers, Picnic, Durian Vendor |
 National Gallery Singapore |
Singapore | 3 | Life by the River, Malay Man, Artist and Model |
19 years of Liu Kang's art, 1954 to 1972: the gallery follows them year by year, through the most famous originals of each.
Pick a year to see its originals.
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�
More from 1954
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�
More from 1957
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
Life by the River, National Gallery Singapore, Singapore. Malay Man and Artist and Model come next.
Our catalog holds 8 works by Liu Kang, dated from 1954 to 1972.
Mostly in National Museum of Singapore (Singapore) and National Gallery Singapore (Singapore). The museum table above lists them all.
In 1954: 2 of the 8 works on this page were made then, Batik Workers among them.
On this page, the earliest is Batik Workers (1954) and the latest Indian Musicians (1972).
Southeast asia (2), Daily life (2) and Portrait (2), across the 8 works on this page.
Oil On Canvas, for 3 of the 8 works on this page.
Post-impressionism, judging by the originals on this page.
Batik Workers, Picnic and Durian Vendor: the National Museum of Singapore, Singapore holds 5 of the works on this page.
