'A Real Bad Dream', a New Exhibition At Artbooth Gallery

by Dianne Apen-Sadler

'A Real Bad Dream', a New Exhibition At Artbooth Gallery

6 May 2024

Artbooth Gallery is back with another stirring exhibition, this time featuring the works of Oussama Diab and Wadeei Khaled. The showcase, on display at the ground floor space at the Centro Capital Centre by Rotana near ADNEC in Abu Dhabi, merges surrealism with themes of displacement and the enduring spirit of homeland. "A Real Bad Dream" is on show until Monday May 27, 2024.

“A Real Bad Dream”, the homegrown gallery’s latest exhibition, is meant to act as a dialogue between the dreams of individuals and the stark realities of conflict zones. Roger Khoury, the founder of Artbooth Gallery, said, “The works of Diab and Khaled are not merely artistic expressions but are narratives that bridge the gap between viewers and the complex emotions of those experiencing displacement and resilience. 'A Real Bad Dream' invites you to witness the power of art in conveying the profound stories of struggle and hope.”

Oussama Diab

Palestinian-Syrian Dutch-based artist Oussama Diab’s latest works are far more abstract in comparison to his earlier paintings. Now, instead of clear human figures, each work is a surreal scene meant to speak to life’s challenges, and beauty. The change is a response to global turmoil, particularly in light of the events in Gaza.

The artist blends different mediums and art schools, from figurative cubism to abstraction and acrylic paint to charcoal.

Speaking of the exhibition, Diab said, “All my paintings are a theatre for me inspired by what is happening in the world right now, a reflection of daily life, politics and humanity.”

Wadeei Khaled

Palestinian artist Wadeei Khaled draws inspiration from the landscapes of his homeland, the writings of Ghassan Kanafani and other Arab Resistance literature.

According to Artbooth Gallery, “Khaled's paintings are profound meditations on belonging, identity, and the indomitable spirit to endure”.

by Dianne Apen-Sadler