The book is 932 pages long, weighs a hefty 10kgs, and measures 33cm by 33cm. Inside it contains 900 images representing the art, sculpture and installation works of over 85 Malaysian artists. Those impressive statistics represent a publication that, in its quality, scope, execution and cultural importance, is unsurpassed.

Malaysian Contemporary Art is based around the personal collection of Aliya and Farouk Khan, commonly recognised as the country’s largest. The volume itself was produced in close collaboration with art curator Shoosie Sulaiman, herself an award winning artist, whose discerning eye and depth of artistic knowledge helped to select and then assemble the stunning content found within.

However, beyond all the facts, figures and hyperbole, what’s more important about Malaysian Contemporary Art is how the publication demonstrates to the wider world that Malaysia is currently at the forefront of modern artistic excellence and innovation. Indeed, Peter Frank, a prominent and well-respected American art critic, aired expert support for this exact position in a recent article, writing that, “While not one of the largest [art communities] in the world, it [Malaysia] is certainly one of the most vibrant.”

Besides enhancing the art scene, this fact has other ramifications: all around the world major countries and cities are rated not just on their financial, infrastructural and political standing, but also on their cultural and creative capabilities, as recognised by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the launch of Malaysian Contemporary Art. “The global traveller today is not looking for destinations but experiences, and a strong art tourism offering will enhance our global appeal and keep our tourism offering fresh new and exciting.”

Very much aware of the potential of this sector, Tourism Minister Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, also present at the launch, said the ministry had identified arts as a main tourism area. “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, worldviews and position.” Because of this, the Ministry of Tourism will hold the 1Malaysia Contemporary Arts Festival, in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Malacca and Johor, for three months beginning in July.

With many other long-term initiatives already planned to help establish Kuala Lumpur as the region’s art-tourism centre, and the Asian equivalent of such cities as London, Paris and New York, it seems Malaysian Contemporary Art is already making its rather substantial presence felt.

Retailing at RM1,500
Malaysian Contemporary Art is available from Basheer Graphic Books, 3/F, BB Plaza, Jalan Bukit Bintang
03 2713 2236
www.basheergraphic.com