Shezad Dawood's Retrospective 'Skin of Dreams' Opens at Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi in March

On 26 March, the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi will unveil 'Skin of Dreams,' a mid-career retrospective by Shezad Dawood, which will be on display until 13 September. Curated by Jessica Cerasi, this exhibition highlights 15 years of Dawood's artistic journey, featuring a diverse array of works such as paintings, ceramics, and video installations. Among the highlights is a restaging of 'Night in the Garden of Love: Digital Seed Banks,' originally presented at WIELS in Brussels in 2023, which includes hangings and seven screens showcasing digital plant species inspired by Dawood's illustrations. Additionally, the last two episodes of his 'Leviathan Cycle' film series will debut, including the tenth episode set in Karachi, in collaboration with author Bina Shah. His art often references modernist architecture, marine ecology, and personal memories linked to his grandfather's ties to the UAE. Upcoming projects also include the 'Isozaki Carousel' for Al Masrah Park in Doha.