The beginning of contemporary art in Singapore can be traced back to the 1930s to a group of immigrant artists from China, often referred to as the "Nanyang artists". Collectively the paintings of these pioneers marked one of the earliest achievements in modern art in Singapore. From that time till now, art in Singapore has diversified in style and form.

This set of stamps features the artworks of two prominent local artists, Liu Kang and Ong Kim Seng. Both had made significant contributions to the local art scene.

Liu Kang is one of the pioneers of art in Singapore and is revered in the local art circle. His numerous paintings were done in both oils and pastels. Together with Chen Wen Hsi, Cheong Soo Pieng and Chen Chong Swee, Liu Kang pioneered the Nanyang style which combined Chinese techniques with Western influences.

His versatility as an artist is evident in his works done over the years which cover an impressive range of subjects and genres. Inspired by his painting trips abroad, many of his paintings capture the people and scenery of the different countries.

During the span of his artistic career, Liu Kang served as President of the Society of Chinese Artists, and the President of the Singapore Art Society. He was Chairman of the National Day Art Exhibition Committee, and Chairman of the Visual Art Advisory Committee (Ministry of Culture). Liu Kang was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 1996 for his outstanding contribution to the visual arts scene in Singapore.

The other artist whose works are featured in this stamp issue is Ong Kim Seng. A self taught artist, Ong Kim Seng has won many national and international accolades and awards for his water-colour paintings. An avid traveller, he travelled far and wide to many countries such as Bali, Nepal, Tibet and China, usually painting on location. With his deft hand, his sensitivity to details and the play of light, he captures effectively the elusive moods of the scene onto the canvas. His favourite subjects are the "vanishing" scenes of old Singapore such as Pulau Ubin, pre-war habitats and historic landmarks as well as scenes of remote places abroad.

Ong Kim Seng was the President of the Singapore Watercolour Society from 1989 to 2001. He is also on the visual arts advisory committee for the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the Naitonal Arts Council.

He was awarded the Cultural Medallion for visual arts in 1990. He has also been honoured with the American Watercolour Society New York's prestigious Dolphin Fellowship, an honour conferred only to those who have succeeded in winning AWS awards.

Singapore Post wishes to thank Singapore Art Museum, Liu Kang and family, and Ong Kim Seng for the loan of the artworks featured in the stamps as well as for their assistance in this project.