This article examines the position of artists within Malaysia’s visual arts ecosystem, with particular emphasis on recognition, career sustainability, cultural value, and the need to introduce the Artist Resale Royalty Right. Drawing from observations of developments in the art market, collecting practices, the limited culture of art criticism and documentation, as well as the economic position of artists, the author argues that a healthy visual arts ecosystem should not depend solely on the market value of artworks, but should also recognise the continuing contribution of their creators.
This article examines the position of artists within Malaysia’s visual arts ecosystem, with particular emphasis on recognition, career sustainability, cultural value, and the need to introduce the Artist Resale Royalty Right. Drawing from observations of developments in the art market, collecting practices, the limited culture of art criticism and documentation, as well as the economic position of artists, the author argues that a healthy visual arts ecosystem should not depend solely on the market value of artworks, but should also recognise the continuing contribution of their creators.
The Artist Resale Royalty Right is presented as one form of structural reform that could enhance the status of artists, strengthen the legitimacy of artistic careers, increase confidence in the secondary art market, and broaden recognition of the cultural value of artworks. The discussion is further supported by references to the history of droit de suite in France, John Locke’s theory of property, Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital, principles of justice from an Islamic perspective, royalty practices in other creative industries, and broader ideas of cultural sustainability.
Rather than presenting resale royalty as a single solution to all challenges within Malaysia’s visual arts ecosystem, the article positions it as a catalyst for a wider discussion on economic equity, institutional recognition, the sustainability of creators, and the development of a stronger national identity and cultural civilisation through the visual arts.
Read article here: https://kolumpoart.com/2026/06/14/perihal-pelukis-dan-hak-royalti-jualan/