Abu dhabi: The Cultural Foundation, a cultural centre under the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has announced the opening of the first phase of the "Skin of Dreams" exhibition. This landmark solo show by acclaimed artist Shezad Dawood was unveiled on Thursday.
According to Emirates News Agency, the exhibition, which will run until 20th September 2026, is curated by Jessica Cerasi and brings together over 15 years of Dawood's work, spanning painting, film, installation, and virtual reality. Rooted in Modernist Architecture and Ecology, the exhibition explores alternative histories and futures through a dialogue between non-Western traditions and contemporary practices, with a carefully curated selection of artworks showcasing Dawood's practice.
Among the exhibition's highlights is "Night in the Garden of Love (Digital Seedbanks)" (2023), a digital work that features seven algorithmically generated plants responding dynamically to a newly composed musical score. Additionally, the exhibition presents the highly anticipated premiere of Episodes 9 and 10 of Dawood's seminal ten-part film series, "Leviathan Cycle." Set several decades into the future, the series provides speculative snapshots of a world reshaped by climate change and scientific advancement. These episodes were developed in collaboration with oceanographers, marine biologists, and neurologists, with Episode 10 co-commissioned by Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi.
The exhibition also includes "Encroachments" (2019), an immersive virtual reality environment, and "Clifton Beach (Digital Terrazzo) [Black]" (2019). Together, these works highlight Dawood's exploration of ecology, technology, and sensory experience across various media. In addition to the exhibition, the Cultural Foundation will host a two-week public program designed to extend community engagement with Dawood's themes through hands-on workshops.
