To Know Malaysia Is To Love Malaysia: Exhibition Showcases First-Generation Contemporary Artists In Abu Dhabi

The Cultural Foundation, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, is hosting an exhibition titled "To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia: Major Highlights from The AFK Collection." This event will run from 10th April to 10th September, featuring key artworks by pioneering first-generation Malaysian contemporary artists. This exhibition marks a significant moment in the UAE's cultural scene, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status as a hub for global artistic exchange.

The AFK Collection is renowned for being the most extensive compilation of first-generation Malaysian contemporary art from the Golden Era. The exhibition will present these works individually, showcasing the intellectual and stylistic evolution of the artists. It also highlights their significant contributions to Malaysian art education and publishing. By linking artists' works, it narrates a visual story of how their practices led to a dynamic new art movement.

Organised around five themes, the exhibition delves into critical aspects of Malaysia's journey. It covers the origins of the Malaysian contemporary art movement and reflections on historical realities and socio-political events from both past and present. Additionally, it explores cultural transformations, environmental shifts, early expressionism, and surrealism. The exhibition highlights how first-generation contemporary artists challenge prevailing narratives and illuminate hidden histories.

By placing these artworks within broader social and political contexts, "To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia: Highlights from The AFK Collection" aims to offer a multidimensional understanding of contemporary Malaysian society. This approach fosters a connection between past and present through art.

The exhibition will feature works by notable artists such as Ahmad Shukri Mohammed, Ahmad Fuad Osman, Ali Nurazmal, Anniketyni Madian, Fauzan Omar, Hamir Soib, Masnoor Ramli, Susyilawati Sulaiman, Yusof Ghani, and Zulkifli Yusoff. These artists have made valuable contributions to the development of Malaysian contemporary art.

This showcase not only celebrates individual artistic achievements but also demonstrates how these artists collectively contributed to a vibrant new art movement in Malaysia. Their works provide insights into Malaysia's cultural evolution and its socio-political landscape.

This exhibition serves as an important platform for understanding Malaysian society through its rich artistic heritage. By highlighting these pioneering artists' works, it offers visitors an opportunity to engage with Malaysia's cultural narrative in a meaningful way.

With inputs from WAM