This first Malaysian international contemporary art show in Abu Dhabi, is a collaboration between The AFK Collection with the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, a centre managed by the Department of Culture and Tourism. Titled TO KNOW MALAYSIA IS TO LOVE MALAYSIA: Major Highlights of the AFK Collection is on until 10th September 2025.

Attended by His Highness Shaikh Ali Almualla, Chairperson of ARDECO and His Excellency Tengku Dato’ Sirajuzzaman bin Tengku Mohamed Ariffin, High Commissioner to Malaysia, alongside the gulf region’s leading gallerists, collectors, curators and media personalities. The exposure of The AFK Collection is a win for all Malaysians, elevating Malaysia’s dynamic contemporary art movement.

“Malaysia possesses artists that have the integrity to challenge the norm and create outstanding work. Sometimes I believed so much in their excellence that we simply couldn’t understand why so few were supporting them. I found the soulmate who believed as much as I did that these artists deserved our patronage.”- Farouk Khan, Co-founder, The AFK collection.

About the exhibition
With 44 works organised around 5 themes, the exhibition addresses critical aspects such as the origins of the Malaysian contemporary art movement, through historical realities, cultural and environmental shifts, as well as early expressionism and surrealism.

The featured artists have navigated change, witnessing Malaysia’s transformation from largely agrarian, newly independent country to a nation at the forefront of economic, technological, socio-political advancement. They have responded creatively with sculptures, paintings, drawings, mixed media and installations.

“We built our collection with the certainty of the Malaysian artists being among the finest in the world. They belong on the walls of an institution of this scale and we are happy to see the enthusiasm here. The respect everyone has shown has been tremendous. We were very impressed with the professionalism of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation team.” – Aliya Khan, Co-founder The AFK Collection.

Ahmad Shukri Mohammed, Ahmad Fuad Osman, Ali Nurazmal, Anniketyni Madian, Fauzan Omar, Hamir Soib, Masnoor Ramli, Shooshie Sulaiman, Yusof Ghani and Zulkifli Yusoff are the artists displayed. Their works are a testament to the evolving identity of Malaysia, capturing both the country’s historical narratives while also depicting aspirations for her future.

“As the Global South is on the rise worldwide we are engaging in the crucial act of South to South dialogue by bringing Malaysian contemporary art to Abu Dhabi. The cross cultural exchange we have been engaging in has been intellectually and emotionally stimulating and we are excited to open up new frontiers for Malaysia’s art movement, and introduce our dynamic contemporary society to the world through our culture.” – Zena Khan, Co-curator of “To Know Malaysiais to Love Malaysia: Major Highlights of The AFK Collection.

A blossoming cultural economy, Abu Dhabi has invested heavily into iconic art institutions such as the Lourve Abu Dhabi by Jean Nouvel and the soon-expected Guggenheim by Frank Gehry, filled with already active programming to satisfy all levels of tourists. Led by the Department of Tourism and Culture of Abu Dhabi, the futuristic city has become one of the top participants in the creative economy, highlighting their interest in the rarity and intellectual quality of works by Malaysian talents.

To Know Malaysia is To Love Malaysia: Highlights from The AFK Collection is proudly supported by Christie’s, CIMB Artober and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.

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About the AFK Collection

Founded in the mid-1990s by Farouk and Aliya Khan, The AFK Collection is recognised as the most comprehensive collection of first-generation contemporary Malaysian art. Totalling well over 1,200 pieces, the Collection encapsulates the “Golden Era of Malaysian contemporary art”, presenting a full visual narrative.

The Collection spans 1980s to present day, dedicated to the preservation and documentation of artworks that mark the birth of Malaysia’s contemporary art movement. Covering all genres, mediums, and forms or arts, The AFK Collection serves as a vital archive of the country’s artistic heritage.