Private Collection of internationally-acclaimed local artists

Kuala Lumpur, Monday, June 7, 2010:-

Deputy Prime Minister Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Hj Muhyiddin Hj Mohd Yassin today launched the MALAYSIAN CONTEMPORARY ART: THE ALIYA AND FAROUK KHAN COLLECTION book (AFK Collection Book), a tribute to the depth and breadth of contemporary artistic talent here in Malaysia.

The book, sponsored by Bandar Raya Developments Berhad (BRDB), known as a builder of iconic communities, showcases works from the private collection of Aliya & Farouk Khan, who have made an impact on the Malaysian art scene through their support of contemporary Malaysian artists and their analytical, systematic approach to building their collection.

At 932 pages, 13”x 13“ and weighing in at a hefty 10kgs, the book showcases the best, brightest, boldest and most inspiring art, sculpture and installation works of over 85 Malaysian artists, depicted across close to 900 images.

The launch was held at BRDB’s Bangsar Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur, where selected works from the collection were also displayed.

Also present at the launch was Minister of Tourism Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, who commended BRDB on its support of the upcoming 1Malaysia Contemporary Arts Tourism Festival (or MCAT), which will be launched this coming July.

Speaking at the launch, Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen said, “Works of art represent the soul of the nation. It manifests our consciousness, curiosity, creativity and excellence. We need them as mirrors to our society. Nation building is as much about patriotism as it is about our identity, our values, world views and position.

“Hence, the Ministry will hold its first ever and Malaysia’s biggest celebration of contemporary arts tourism, the MCAT, in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Malacca and Johor, for a duration of three months beginning July 2010,” said Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Commenting on BRDB’s support of the book and launch event, its chairman, Dato’ Mohamed Moiz said, “Alpha global cities are cities that excel across the multiple dimensions of economics, finance, infrastructure, political stability, arts & culture and the creative industries. Alpha global cities attract high quality human capital – the best and brightest of minds -- on which to build vibrant economies.“

“Under the leadership of YAB Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak, we can see the vision to transform Kuala Lumpur into a truly alpha global city, and as one of Malaysia’s oldest and most established property development companies, BRDB is very conscious of the role it can play in helping the Government achieve it s vision and goals under the NEM.”

He said that alpha global cities are characterized by four key elements – significant financial capacity, sound infrastructure to meet the physical and lifestyle needs of its citizens, political stability and a strong arts and cultural presence to inspire the growth of creative industries.

“Kuala Lumpur today is the emerging world capital for Islamic finance, but other major and emerging financial centres have and are investing major capital in their arts, creative industries and cultural sectors to complement their financial and commercial offerings. In order to stay competitive, Kuala Lumpur needs to do this, and do it quickly.

“Kuala Lumpur needs to integrate arts and architecture, culture and business to bring a cultural soul to Kuala Lumpur, and to attract and retain the necessary human capital to ensure its economic and financial success. We need to make Kuala Lumpur a preferred destination for human capital migration and for tourists.”

He added that more than just a compilation of Malaysian talent, the AFK Collection Book would also go a long way in positioning Malaysia as a global hub for contemporary art; a very important recognition, as hubs for contemporary art – like the Tate Modern in London and New York’s Met – have played significant roles in driving tourists into cities.

“We very much hope that this becomes a meaningful and significant step in Malaysia’s pursuit of the global contemporary art tourism market,” he concluded.

On the Malaysian Contemporary Art : AFK Collection Book
The AFK Collection Book features works from the private collection of Aliya & Farouk Khan, a collection considered by many to be Malaysia’s definitive contemporary art collection. The book is curated by ShooShie Sulaiman, an award-winning Malaysian artist of international renown, and is dedicated to Liquat Ali Khan, younger brother of Farouk Khan and the inspiration behind his interest in art. ShooShie worked with the editorial team of Leila Khan and Joshua Fernandez to design and produce the book, which will be distributed at all leading Malaysian and international bookstores.

On the 1Malaysia Contemporary Arts Festival (MCAT)
The festival will feature the Aliya & Farouk Khan Collection in Johor, as well as works by other internationally-acclaimed Malaysian artists. Many sculptures and works by these fine artists will be revealed for the first time to the public. The works of new contemporary artists from all around Malaysia will also be featured.

During the three-month period, the public can visit the Galeria Seri Perdana, Berjaya Times Square, Starhill Art Gallery, National Art Gallery, PETRONAS Gallery, Malaysia Tourism Centre (or MaTiC), Pavilion (all located within the Klang Valley) and Galeri Seni Rakyat Melaka and Danga City Mall in Johor.

Apart from that, among the highlights of the festival are several exhibitions of exciting and vibrant works by some of the best internationally-acclaimed Malaysian artists, both young and established such as Abdul Multhalib Musa, who is regarded as one of Malaysia's leading contemporary sculptors.

Other artists featured are Yusof Ghani, Ahmad Zaki Anwar, Hamir Saib, Tan Chin Kuan, Shooshie Sulaiman, Eng Hwee Chu, Umi Baizurah Mahir, Kaw Leong Kang, Anthony Chang, Rajinder Singh, Bayu Utomo, Fauzan Mustapha, Stephen Menon, Ivan Lam and many more. The Ministry will also invite international speakers such as Mika Kuraya from Japan and Russell Storer from Australia for talks and seminars on Malaysian Contemporary Art held during the period.

To complement Tourism Malaysia’s efforts to promote the Contemporary Art Tourism event, a 'Tourism Art Trail' directory has been produced which contains a listing of contemporary art galleries and these include information on places where tourists can visit and events that they can attend for Malaysian Contemporary Art.

The directory will highlight all public and private galleries, the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Exhibition, seminars and talks on Malaysia’s contemporary art scene.

On BRDB
The BRDB Group is principally involved in the development and management of prime residential & commercial properties in Malaysia. As one of the country’s first public listed property development companies, BRDB is renowned for creating Malaysia’s most sought after development projects in Kuala Lumpur & Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru. BRDB is perhaps best known for its property development projects in Bangsar. Other landmark developments include the award winning Foster & Partners designed Troika in Jalan Binjai and CapSquare, an integrated commercial, retail & residential development in midtown KL. BRDB is also expanding its presence globally. As a property investment company, BRDB manages the well-established Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC) in KL, as well as the Permas Jusco mall in Johor Bahru. For more information on BRDB, please refer to www.brdb.com.my.

-ends-

For inquiries, kindly contact :
Ms Malathi Pillay, Communications Manager
Bandar Raya Developments Berhad
31st Floor, Menara Multi-Purpose
8, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, 50100, Kuala Lumpur
HP: 012 284 8830
Tel: + 603 2694 8632 / Fax: +603 2698 8830
Email: malathipillay@brdb.com.my