The connection between silence and noise, minimalism and maximalism, is explored in a duo show featuring the artworks of Ali Zolghadri and Niga Sayyed. This exhibition contrast contemporary and traditional art: Ali’s work merges modern photography, while Niga’s pieces evolve from traditional printmaking to contemporary mixed media.
Ali’s black-and-white photographs, minimal in style and embodying silence, focus on space, stillness and light, reducing moments to their most essential forms. On the other hand, Niga’s work resonates with the sounds of the past, capturing quiet stories often forgotten.
The exhibition invites viewers to engage with this unique visual conversation and create their own personal reflections on memory.
About the Artists
Niga Sayyed is a printmaker and visual artist born in Pakistan. A National College of Arts, Lahore, graduate with a Bachelor in Fine Arts (Printmaking), she did her post-graduation in Poland and received MFA (2016–2018) and Doctorate in Fine Arts (2019–2022) from The Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Arts and Design, Wroclaw. She was previously a visiting assistant professor at the University of Sharjah, Department of Fine Arts and Design. Her art traverses different cultures, having lived in Dubai, the U.A.E. and Europe, thus her experiences impact her work. Her art has been exhibited internationally including at RAK Art Festival (2025), Omsk Museum of Fine Arts (Russia), the University at Buffalo (New York, USA), Wroclaw Contemporary Museum (Poland) and the South Asian Contemporary Printmaking Exhibition (China), as well as in Iran, Spain, Denmark, Romania and Pakistan.
Ali Zolghadri is an internationally recognized fine art and conceptual photographer whose work blends minimalism,surrealism and deep visual storytelling. With a passion for high-contrast black-and-white compositions, he creates visually striking images that challenge perception and evoke emotions. His meticulous approach involves photo manipulation and compositing techniques, allowing him to craft dreamlike scenarios that transcend ordinary reality. Over the years, Ali has received more than 100 international photography awards from over 20 countries,solidifying hisreputation as one of the leading fine art photographers in his genre. His work has been exhibited globally and featured in renowned publications, gaining recognition from both art critics and collectors. In recognition of his artistic contributions, Ali has been awarded the prestigious UAE Golden Visa,reflecting his impact on the region’s cultural and artistic landscape. His photography has not only won major competitions but has also inspired
emerging artists to explore the boundaries of fine art photography.
Press release from XVA Gallery
Image: Niga Sayyed. Echoes of Time. 2024. Image courtesy of Shahryar Bin Mukhtar.
