Mounted on an ebony-coloured frame, this colourful artwork by one of Singapore’s most celebrated artists, the late Liu Kang (1911 – 2004), embodies the spirit of a nation that is defined as much by its cultural diversity as its singular identity. As Singaporeans celebrate the country’s 56th National Day in August, amid the ongoing pandemic, the painting from 1967 depicts the Lion City ’s citizens of different races and ages, donning ethnic outfits and coming together in the Padang area to mark one of the most important milestones in the country’s history, two years after independence. While Singapore has made exponential progress and found its place in the world, more than half a century later, its people continue to live and practise the philosophy of unity in diversity. The painting is part of the permanent collection a t the National Gallery – a national monument of historic significance – which previously served as the Supreme Court building and City Hall in the city- state’s Civic District. The public art institution now houses one of the most impressive collections of artworks by Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists. Among them, Liu’s work figures prominently as a pioneer oil painter, who was instrumental in establishing a distinct local style that still inspires homegrown artists.