Abu Dhabi, UAE – April 11 2025: Cultural Foundation, a cultural centre under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has officially opened ‘To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia: Major Highlights from The AFK Collection’, marking the regional debut of one of the most comprehensive collections of Malaysian contemporary art. Running from 10 April to 10 September 2025, the exhibition presents a rare opportunity to explore the pioneering works that shaped Malaysia’s modern art movement, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a centre for global cultural exchange.
Visitors had the opportunity to engage with the curators and explore the five thematic sections of the exhibition, which dive into the evolution of Malaysian contemporary art, historical narratives, socio-political reflections, cultural transformations, and artistic movements such as expressionism and surrealism. As a landmark addition to Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar, the exhibition underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering global artistic dialogue and expanding the emirate’s vibrant arts landscape.
Bringing together a diverse range of artistic expressions, the exhibition showcases key works from The Aliya and Farouk Khan Collection, by some of Malaysia’s most pioneering contemporary artists, each offering a distinct perspective on the country’s cultural and historical landscape. A few highlights include:
Ahmad Fuad Osman: Midnight Song (Mulu), 1993
Ahmad Fuad Osman
Midnight Song (Mulu), 1993
Oil on canvas
97 x 122 cm
Courtesy of The AFK Collection
Ahmad Shukri Mohamed: The Wall (Negaraku), 2007
Ahmad Shukri Mohamed
The Wall (Negaraku), 2007
Mixed media on canvas
174 x 198 cm
Courtesy of The AFK Collection
Ali Nurazmal Yusoff: Imitation Master: After Caravaggio, 2009
Ali Nurazmal Yusoff
Imitation Master: After Caravaggio, 2009
Oil on canvas
122 x 290 cm
Courtesy of The AFK Collection
Anniketyni Madian: Limba Sukang #2, 2019
Anniketyni Madian
Limba Sukang #2, 2019
Hardwood
Diameter: 55 cm
Courtesy of The AFK Collection
Fauzan Omar: High Tide, 1990-91
Fauzan Omar
High Tide, 1990-91
Pasted cut canvas, acrylic, mixed media
188 x 158 cm
From the Reef series
Courtesy of The AFK Collection
Hamir Soib Mohamed: Sepat oh Sepat, 2006
Hamir Soib Mohamed
Sepat oh Sepat, 2006
Oil on canvas
175 x 248 cm
Courtesy of The AFK Collection
Masnoor Ramli Mahmud: Rama in Cyberworld, 1995
Masnoor Ramli Mahmud
Rama in Cyberworld, 1995
Mixed media on canvas
157 x 218 cm
Courtesy of The AFK Collection
Shooshie Sulaiman: Lelaki Perempuan, 2005-07
Shooshie Sulaiman
Lelaki Perempuan, 2005-07
Mixed media on canvas
122 x 122 cm
Courtesy of The AFK Collection
Yusof Ghani: Siri Tari III, 1984
Yusof Ghani
Siri Tari III, 1984
Oil on canvas
149 x 198 cm
Courtesy of The AFK Collection
Zulkifli Yusoff: Hujan Lembing Di Pasir Salak, 2009
Zulkifli Yusoff
Hujan Lembing Di Pasir Salak, 2009
Embossed dye, acrylic, printing ink on canvas
244 x 488 cm
Courtesy of The AFK Collection
Beyond the highlighted pieces, the exhibition invites viewers to explore the wider selection of each artist’s work on display.
The AFK Collection, founded in the mid-1990s by collectors Aliya and Farouk Khan, is the most comprehensive showcase of first-generation Malaysian contemporary art, featuring works by 108 artists from the country’s Golden Era in the genre. The works will be displayed individually, demonstrating the intellectual and stylistic development of the artists, as well as their valuable contributions to the Malaysian art education ecosystem and publishing.
The entry to this exhibition is free, and open to all ages. For more information, visit culturalfoundation.ae.
About Cultural Foundation
Opened in 1981 under the directives of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Cultural Foundation was the United Arab Emirates’ first multi-purpose community centre, a public institution with a mandate to foster and nurture cultural consciousness for all citizens of the recently unified UAE. Placed next to the historic Qasr al Hosn, this building fundamentally represented a new outlook on the role of culture in the modern UAE, with the introduction of the first national library, a theatre, and a multi-purpose exhibition hall. Between 2009 and 2018, the Cultural Foundation underwent extensive conservation measures including repairs, rehabilitation, and some adaptive reuse. Its much-anticipated reopening took place in December 2018.
The Cultural Foundation presents a cutting-edge visual arts programme of exhibitions, workshops, and events. It also showcases a world-class, contemporary, and home-grown performing arts programme in its newly renovated 900-seat theatre. It has transformed its library to become the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library. The state-of-the-art facility presents innovative hands-on learning programmes for children and families.
For more information about Cultural Foundation, please visit: culturalfoundation.ae
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.
By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.