Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Offering a glimpse into the trailblazing works that shaped Malaysia's modern art movement, Cultural Foundation, a cultural centre affiliated with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is hosting an exhibition titled "To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia: Major Highlights from The AFK Collection."
Running until September 10, the exhibition marks the regional debut of an extensive collection of Malaysia contemporary art, further establishing Abu Dhabi's role as a hub for global cultural exchange.
The AFK Collection is an assortment of the first generation works of Malaysian contemporary artists. Started in the mid 1990s by Aliya and Farouk Khan, it is dedicated to the collection, preservation and documentation of the artworks that mark the emergence of contemporary art movement in Malaysia, according to the AFK website.
The exhibition's five thematic sections delve into the evolution of Malaysian contemporary art, historical narratives, socio-political reflections, cultural transformations, and artistic movements such as expressionism and surrealism.
In an interview with Aletihad, Zena Khan, curator and daughter of Aliya and Farouk Khan, highlighted the intellectual collaboration between Malaysia and Abu Dhabi.
"We are very excited because it is the first international exhibition of Malaysian contemporary art ever, in Cultural Foundation, and in the world. We are impressed by how important culture is to society here, and we feel there are many ways we can grow together through culture," Zena said.
The exhibition showcases the outstanding craftsmanship of 10 artists from the AFK collection, featuring the rapid growth and transformation of Malaysian contemporary art.
"What is really interesting is how artists like Fauzan Omar challenged the traditional concept of the canvas, manipulating the canvas to create something completely new. In works like "Luminosity," he used mixed media to create forms that resembled porcelain, offering a unique and innovative approach. Mixed media is a popular medium for Malaysian artists, who often incorporate objects from the world around them," she said.
Also speaking to Aletihad, Farouk Khan, pointed to the "strong cultural affinity between our part of the world and the Middle East."
Islam was introduced to Malaysia centuries ago through Arab traders, and even today, there is a notable Arab community in Malaysia and Singapore. They have assimilated, taken on local customs, and are seen as Arab Malaysians," he said.
"If I had to choose one word, it is 'interact' - cultural exchange lets us connect directly, beyond media narratives, building real understanding and stronger ties through art," he added.
