ArtDayME - Skin of Dreams, the first mid-career retrospective of artist Shezad Dawood, is now on view at Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi, where it will remain open through 20 September 2026.

The exhibition invites visitors into the richly layered universe Dawood has developed over more than two decades. Grounded in research, the works draw on history, literature, architecture, music, science, and technology, creating unexpected and imaginative connections across disciplines.

The title, Skin of Dreams, is a phrase used to describe the cinema screen, evoking the threshold between imagination and reality. Conceived in dialogue with the Cultural Foundation's distinctive architecture, the exhibition responds to the building's combination of Bauhaus clarity and Islamic geometric patterns, with particular attention to light, proportion, and integrated ornament.

Curated by Jessica Cerasi, the retrospective brings together more than 40 works, including paintings, sculptures, monumental film installations, and interactive virtual reality experiences.

An evolving exhibition

The exhibition unfolds in multiple phases, with its first chapter opening on 9 April 2026. Additional works will be introduced gradually over time, allowing each visit to offer new discoveries as the exhibition continues to evolve.

Alongside the exhibition, a programme of interactive workshops invites the public to engage with its themes through making and experimentation, exploring subjects ranging from architecture to materials and scent.

Guided tours and free admission

The Cultural Foundation is also offering guided exhibition tours led by its team, providing visitors with deeper insights into the artworks, themes, and ideas explored in Skin of Dreams, as well as a closer look at Shezad Dawood's artistic practice and creative vision.

Skin of Dreams remains on view until 20 September 2026, with free admission.

Photos: Ismail Noor for Seeing Things