#SHOTBYADAMS: Bryan Adams Brings His First Middle East Exhibition to Dubai

We all know, and love rock legend Bryan Adams for giving us classics like Summer of ’69, Heaven, and (Everything I Do) I Do It for You. But here’s something you might not know: for the past two decades, Adams has been making his mark behind the camera. With striking portraits of icons like Kate Moss, Amy Winehouse and Sir Mick Jagger, his work has carved its unique place in the world of modern portrait photography, blending artistry, innovation and a rare ability to capture cultural legends through a fresh, almost personal lens.

This September, the multi-hyphenate creative brings his work to Dubai with #SHOTBYADAMS, his first-ever Middle East exhibition, running at JD Malat Gallery in Downtown Dubai until 30 September 2025.

The exhibition reimagines the art of the portrait through a bold, experimental lens. Adams uses layers of multi-coloured plexiglass between his camera and his subjects, creating images that are dreamy, surreal and impossible to forget. Inspired by the phrase “seeing through rose-tinted glasses,” the collection approaches how we perceive fame, identity and beauty in an age obsessed with visual perfection.

“The plexiglass acts like a visual metaphor, refracting not just the subject, but our assumptions,” Adams explains. “It’s about perception, distortion and the beauty of seeing differently.”

Known for capturing moments that are intimate yet timeless, Adams’ work spans Hollywood stars, fashion icons and even the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, now part of the permanent collection at London’s National Portrait Gallery.

“As a gallery committed to presenting bold, thought-provoking work, we’re proud to bring #SHOTBYADAMS to Dubai’s dynamic art community,” says Jean-David Malat, founder of JD Malat Gallery. “This exhibition explores distortion, materiality and the shifting nature of the image.”