Leila Khan of the AFK Collection, one of the largest private collections of contemporary Malaysian art in world, advises on which artists to procure if you're starting your own collection
To say that the AFK Collection is impressive could be an understatement. Started by Aliya and Farouk Khan over 25 years ago, the collection has grown into one of the largest private collections of contemporary Malaysian art in the world. Their daughter, Leila Khan, now manages the collection and is as passionate about local art. She speaks to Tatler exclusively about starting an art collection of Malaysian artists.
Where’s a good place to start?
I think the best way to start is to go to shows and learn. See what young artists are up to but to also understand the history of the art scene and learn about the mid-career and older artists and their practice. That way, one is able to make an informed decision. Reading and watching art documentaries to understand what is happening on a historical and international level is also really helpful. The more knowledge one has, and the more you know what you like, the better placed you are to collect.
In your opinion, who are the most collectible local artists.
Defining artists as the country’s ‘most collectible’ is tricky. Instead, I'm going to provide a shortlist of artists whose artworks are currently capturing my imagination. I feel that these artists all make work that speak to everyone because of their stunning aesthetics and relatable concepts—plus they all fit into the way we live our lives in Malaysia, conscious of our heritage, yet in a very cosmopolitan manner.
See also: How Creatives Get It Done: Artist-Architect Hong Yi
Below, Khan elaborates on the artists to watch and why.