The Keepers (2022) is an amplification of the research topic Zedani has been exploring for the past couple of years in relation to parasitic plants in the Arabian desert. These families of plants rely on horizontal gene transfer by which they acquire the genes of host plants to ensure the survival of their offspring. They contain an archive of the desert history, and possibly, the keys to livable futures.
The scenography of multiple elements includes nineteen unique sculptures inspired by the family plant of Cistanche tubulosa, which can be found across the gulf region. A multichannel audio setup with music and narration that weaves together the experiences of the desert plants, as they navigate an uncertain and unfamiliar landscape. The wall print depicting the native rock formation from Alula desert near to the tombs of Hegra, where the artist has encountered these plants for the first time. The last but not least, the sand connects all the elements together into an immersive experience.
The project is part of a series of works that Zedani has been developing in attempt to shed light on models from the non-human worlds that can be helpful in relation to thinking about climate change, the loss of biodiversity and the future of the Earth.