It has been three years since Ayman Zedani traded his role in the curatorial team at Sharjah Art Foundation for the uncertain yet liberating path of a full-time artist. Today, he finds himself navigating the creative landscape, splitting his time between Riyadh and Sharjah. Zedani’s journey, marked by a profound exploration of speculative fiction, sci-fi, and cultural genealogy, has earned him recognition, including the inaugural Ithra Art Prize in 2018 and a solo show at Jeddah’s Athr Gallery in 2019.
Zedani’s unique approach to art begins with writing, setting the stage for his projects. “I usually write the stories and the narrative and then start to create the visuals to respond to the text,” he explains, highlighting an unconventional methodology inspired by the storytelling traditions of the Bedouin people. Currently, his work is on display as part of Manar Abu Dhabi, a city-wide exhibition featuring light art sculptures and installations, including Zedani’s “Terrapolis.”
Originally commissioned for Expo 2020, “Terrapolis” is a video projection incorporating the names of the 5,000 individuals who built Expo 2020’s Sustainability Pavilion. Zedani transformed these names into “organic-looking flowers” through an algorithm, creating a unique and visually striking representation. The work, now on display in Abu Dhabi, prompts viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness between humans and the desert, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment.
Zedani’s commitment to engaging his audience extends beyond the visual experience. Accompanying “Terrapolis” is an app that allows users to input their names and join the virtual garden, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the project. This innovative approach aligns with Zedani’s broader mission of challenging humanity’s understanding of the past and acceptance of the future.
The artist’s fascination with the natural world and history is evident in his participation in the AlUla Artist Residency program. Exploring the ancient civilizations of AlUla and Khaybar, Zedani seeks to connect these historical dots, using speculative fiction to weave narratives that transcend time. His work, often described as sci-fi in nature, collapses temporal dimensions in the heart of the desert, revealing secrets that only unveil themselves with time spent in contemplation.
In “The Valley of the Desert Keepers,” showcased at Desert X AlUla in 2022, Zedani delves into the survival strategies of parasitic plants in the Arabian desert. The multi-channel video installation not only educates viewers on the adaptation of desert flora but also provides a poetic perspective from the plants themselves. Zedani’s work serves as a medium for contemplation, urging individuals to reflect on their impact on the planet and the viability of the future, particularly from a Gulf perspective.
Reflecting on his body of work, Ayman Zedani summarizes his artistic endeavours as an attempt to reconnect with both human and non-human ancestors. “I think my practice is an attempt to try to re-establish the relationship between us as a species and everything around us,” he says. “This is a personal thing as well. What I do is try to re-story our relationship with the world around us, with the ground, with the plants, with the more-than-human world.” Ayman Zedani’s forward-thinking art continues to inspire contemplation on the livability of the future and humanity’s interconnectedness with the world.