Ayman Zedani's Ecological Art Explores Human-Nonhuman Symbiosis Through Biofilms, Fungi, and Pre-Islamic Heritage
Ayman Zedani, a Saudi artist, delves into the dynamics between humans and nonhumans through an ecological lens in his video and installation art. His creations feature biofilms incorporating local herbs and ancient fungi. Originating from Khamis Mushait and Abha, Zedani pursued biomedical science in Australia and began showcasing his art in 2013. His inaugural solo exhibition took place in 2019 at Athr Gallery in Jeddah, curated by Murtaza Vali. He received the Ithra Art Prize in 2018 for his piece 'Mēm' in Dhahran. His significant works include 'Azal' (2017) and 'Bāb' (2018). Zedani collaborates with writers such as Saira Ansari and Wided Khadraoui, and his art has been featured at the Sharjah Art Foundation and the 2020 Lahore Biennale. Upcoming projects will focus on 'gut brains' and Arabian humpback whales in Oman.
Key facts
- Ayman Zedani is a Saudi artist working with videos, installations, and immersive environments
- His first solo exhibition was in 2019 at Athr Gallery in Jeddah, curated by Murtaza Vali
- Zedani won the inaugural Ithra Art Prize in 2018 for 'Mēm', a permanent installation at Ithra in Dhahran
- He studied biomedical science in Australia and worked as a hospital pharmacist
- Zedani's practice incorporates biofilms, prehistoric fungi, resurrection plants, and references pre-Islamic Arabian polytheism
- He has collaborated with writers Saira Ansari, Wided Khadraoui, and Ahmad Makia
- His work has been shown at Sharjah Art Foundation, NYUAD Art Gallery, and the 2020 Lahore Biennale
- Future projects include research on 'gut brains' and Arabian humpback whales in Oman
Entities
Artists
- Ayman Zedani
- Murtaza Vali
- Wided Khadraoui
- Saira Ansari
- Ahmad Makia
- Jane Bennett
- Anna Tsing
- Donna Haraway
- Ibn Muqla
- Ursula K. Le Guin
Institutions
- Athr Gallery
- Ithra
- Sharjah Art Foundation
- NYUAD Art Gallery
- Lahore Biennale
- ArtReview Asia
Locations
- Khamis Mushait
- Abha
- Riyadh
- Saudi Arabia
- Jeddah
- Dhahran
- Australia
- Sharjah
- United Arab Emirates
- Oman
- Lahore
- Pakistan