Seddigheh Adish

What inspired you to create the “And Woman” series?

The main inspiration came from my personal experiences and observing the lives of women around me. It has always been important to me to give a voice to the silent stories of women—to depict their pain, strength, and contradictions. “And Woman” was my response to the silence surrounding female identity, an attempt to show the coexistence of fragility and resilience.

Seddigheh Adish | And Woman | 2021

How do you choose which themes or social issues to highlight in your work?

I choose themes from the social realities and the personal and collective experiences of women. Anything that speaks deeply to my inner self and evokes a strong emotion finds its way onto the canvas. Sometimes a piece of news, a glance, or a memory can spark the beginning of a painting.

Seddigheh Adish | And Woman | 2021

The women in your paintings appear both vulnerable and powerful—what emotions or messages do you hope to convey through their gaze and posture?

I want to show that true strength can emerge from vulnerability. The women in my paintings carry unspoken words in their eyes; they have endured pain yet risen again. Their gaze and posture reflect a mixture of sorrow, hope, and resistance that speaks loudly even in silence.

Seddigheh Adish | And Woman | 2021

Could you tell us more about the symbolism in some of the recurring elements, such as the law book, oxygen mask, or the padlock?

These symbols reflect social pressures. The law book represents the laws that sometimes fail to bring justice for women. The oxygen mask symbolizes the need for survival and breathing in a suffocating atmosphere. And the padlock together with the war helmet represents the persistence and constant battle required to achieve one’s goals.

Why did you choose oil painting as your primary medium?

Oil paint feels like the most alive and profound medium for me. It allows for layering, texture, and the expression of complex emotions. It also has a timeless, classical quality that aligns well with the themes of my work.

Seddigheh Adish | And Woman | 2022

How has your background in midwifery influenced your artistic practice?

Working as a midwife allowed me to witness the deepest human moments—birth, pain, hope, and life itself. This experience shaped my perspective on the female body, suffering, and strength, giving my paintings an emotional and human dimension.

Seddigheh Adish | And Woman | 2023

What challenges did you face as a self-taught artist starting later in life?

I don’t have an academic degree in art, but I attended non-academic painting classes. My biggest challenge was inner doubt and the fear of not being taken seriously. However, starting later gave me a unique perspective and emotional maturity that made my style deeply personal.

Seddigheh Adish | And Woman | 2024

How do your personal experiences as a woman in Iran shape your artistic voice?

Living in Iran—with all its limitations and its beauty—gave me a more critical and profound view of female identity. My personal experiences taught me that art can be a form of resistance, transforming silence into image and voice.