In recent news, one of the world’s most influential artists — whose prolific depth of idiosyncrasy cajoled artistic improvisation, and recalibrated societal patterns through his cultural works. Albeit, nearly four decades since his passing, Salvador Dalí’s craftsmanship became but one of many, that shaped and imprinted — an evolving conversation between the creator, the collector, and the culture that surrounds them.
Photo by Emir Bozkurt
In Malaysia, this dialogue continues to deepen, nurtured by a growing circle of passionate art patrons and collectors whose discerning eyes and heartfelt devotion have helped elevate the nation’s creative identity. These visionaries — each with their own unique aesthetic and purpose — are shaping the contours of Malaysia’s contemporary art scene, one collection at a time.
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Farouk and Aliya Khan, AFK Collection
For AFK Collection founders, Farouk and Aliya Khan — their spirit for artistry eminence and allure has upscaled the Malaysian scene, converging impactful philosophical beauty of local artisans, to equally attune with the rhythm of cultural expression.
Photo: AFK Collection
Around the mid-1990s, both husband and wife began the AFK initiation, driven by curiosity and an abiding love for art that transcended personal passion. Love, after all, takes many forms — and for the Khans, it manifests in their dedication to art — an affection that extends beyond canvas and colour, into the realm of creativity, culture, and soul. Through The AFK Collection, they have not only championed Malaysian artistry but also bridged local narratives with global perspectives.
Spanning all genres, mediums, and artistic forms, their creative endeavours stand as both chronicle and catalyst — a defining moment in the evolution of Southeast Asian art. Its rich significance lies not only in the works it preserves, but in the way it redefines Malaysia’s creative identity: critical yet emotive, deeply rooted and modern.
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Azmir Zain, son of the late art curator, Pak Zain, Galeri Z
Galeri Z hosted Pak Yusof Ghani in the early of August 2024, at their Abstraction exhibition, showcasing Yusof’s contemporary artistry, and works of other Malaysian artists spanning 25 years in the making. It was a tribute to artistic continuity and the intergenerational dialogue that keeps Malaysia’s art narrative alive.
Photo: Galeri Z, Art by Jalaini Abu Hassan
For the late Zain Azahari Zainal Abidin, affectionately known as Pak Zain — a respected lawyer turned patron — his influence was instrumental in shaping Malaysia’s early art landscape, inspiring many to see art not just as an asset, but as a vital part of the nation’s identity. And continuing a legacy of artistic stewardship, Azmir Zain — son of the late Pak Zain, carries forward his father’s profound contribution to Malaysian art. As a purveyor of artistic storytelling, Azmir not only preserves his father’s vision but also redefines it for a new generation — one that champions authenticity, cultural continuity, and the enduring dialogue between heritage and modernity. In doing so, he chronicles a poignant tale of a son following the brushstrokes of his father’s heart.
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Pakhruddin Sulaiman
Sometimes it is about the poetic gesture of recognising how art can touch lives and change them for the better. Artists support artists — and that is the ethos Pakhruddin Sulaiman lives by, a philosophy that underpins his decades-long involvement in Malaysia’s art ecosystem. His collection, carefully nurtured with his wife, Latiffah, embodies both intellectual depth and emotional instinct.
Photo: BASKL
Pakhruddin’s approach goes beyond the capitalistic nature tied to asset acquisition; it is tied to the spirit driving advocacy for raw talent. Through his quiet patronage, he has helped sustain emerging artists and preserved the delicate ecosystem that allows creativity to flourish. His ethos reminds us that the patron pledge to the artist communities levels up through the comprehensive complex of craftsmen’s chemistry — a synchronicity between inspiration, intention, and impact.
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Scarlette Lee, Core Design Gallery
The inception of Core Design Gallery in 2010, brought contemporary expression to the fore — a thriving nation celebrating cultural transformation, at a time when even pop culture was at a turning point. Positioned at the intersection of Pop Art, Minimalism, and Photorealism, Scarlette Lee founded Core, and timely so, the artistic enclave became a beacon for avant-garde expression.
CORE Contemporary Art
In 2023, the gallery expanded its vision with Core Contemporary Art, a subsidiary dedicated to nurturing new generations of artists and curators. It represents a progressive chapter in Malaysia’s art story — one that embraces experimentation, innovation, and the ever-changing language of visual culture. Most recently, CORE took part in CIMB’s inaugural Artober 2025 campaign, presenting a dynamic showcase of contemporary artists from Malaysia, Japan, and the Philippines. The exhibition spotlighted the exemplary spirit of modern artistic expression and individualism, reflecting the vibrant pulse of today’s creative landscape.
