King of King

Liu Xuan Qi depicts a can of the famous marigold evaporated milk that is pretty much an essential item at coffee stalls all around Singapore. Before plastic and styrofoam cups became the norm, these empty cans served vessels for take away coffee in the good old days.

A rugged treatment to this painting accentuates the long period of time in which the subject has been a part of the life of locals. A similar technique is employed to the background, completing the painting.

Paintings from this series which depict products used and seen in our everyday life have become one of Liu Xuan Qi’s significant collection of artworks as they touch on pleasant past memories and evoke a sense of familiarity. Liu Xuan Qi won the platinum award at the UOB painting of the year competition in 2012.