Woman . Life . freedom
"Woman, Life, Freedom" has been the driving force behind my series of paintings under the same title. This powerful movement, initiated by Iranian women, marks a historic moment as the first women-led social justice movement in the fight for the most fundamental human rights: peace and freedom.
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Although this movement began in my home country of Iran, I believe its message resonates universally, serving as a call to action for women across the globe. However, my personal and emotional connection to Iranian women, Persian history, and culture has profoundly shaped my perspective. It has deepened my empathy for all those in Iran enduring one of the most challenging periods in the nation's history.
Title: "Woman, Life, Freedom" #1
Mixed Media, Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 36”x48”
Year: 2024
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As an Iranian woman and an artist with a free spirit, I have endured significant challenges due to the conservative nature of Iranian society, which often stifled my ability to fully express myself. The restrictive government further compounded these struggles, ultimately motivating me to leave my beloved homeland—a place I hold dear for its authentic art, ancient history, rich culture, poetic language, stunning natural landscapes, and kind-hearted people.
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Leaving behind these unique and cherished aspects of my home was one of the hardest decisions of my life, but it was necessary to honor my most fundamental belief: the pursuit of freedom.
Title: "Woman, Life, Freedom" #2
Mixed Media. Oil and acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 66" x 54"
Year: 2024
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Title: "Woman, Life, Freedom" #2
Mixed Media, acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 36" x 48"
Year: 2025
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The recent political and social upheaval in Iran is not a new story, but the brave women of my country have given it a powerful voice, standing resolute—even in the face of death. Their slogan, "Woman, Life, Freedom," has become the anthem of this movement. Tragically, many of these courageous women have been arrested, imprisoned, tortured, and even killed for demanding their basic human rights. While this reality is deeply heartbreaking and sorrowful, there is profound beauty in the spirit of their fight.
The courageous women of Iran, risking their lives to challenge injustice and reclaim their freedom, embody the essence of strength and resilience. Their sacrifices are not only a testament to their bravery but also a reflection of the indomitable human spirit in the face of oppression.​​
Title: "Woman, Life, Freedom" #8
Mixed Media, Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 36”x48”
Year: 2025
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My deep empathy for this movement—born from decades of injustice, inequality, bias, and suppression of women—compelled me to create a series of paintings using ink and acrylic on large canvases. Through my art, I aim to amplify the voices of these women and this movement in the only way I can as an artist.
I firmly believe that "Woman, Life, Freedom" is more than a slogan; it is a call for social justice that resonates far beyond Iran. It speaks to women around the world who continue to face inequality and oppression. This is a voice that must be heard by all, everywhere.
title: "Woman, Life, Freedom" #3
Mixed Media, Oil and acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 66" x 54"
Year: 2024
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Through my paintings, I aim to celebrate the intrinsic beauty and strength of women, who are the very essence of life itself. At the same time, I highlight their right to freedom as human beings. In each of my works, the women depicted are missing parts of their bodies—sometimes subtly, sometimes more overtly. This deliberate absence symbolizes the centuries of suffering, oppression, and sacrifice they have endured, often culminating in the ultimate loss of life. Despite these hardships, the women in my paintings remain calm, observant, resilient, and brave.
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Title: "Woman, Life, Freedom" #4
Mixed Media, Acrylic and oil on canvas
Dimensions: 36”x48”
Year: 2024
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A recurring motif in my artwork is the Persian carpet, one of the most exquisite and globally renowned forms of Persian art. It serves as a dual symbol: on one hand, it represents the breathtaking and rich culture of Iran; on the other, it embodies the conservative and restrictive societal norms used by the Iranian government as a powerful tool to suppress and deprive women of their freedom and fundamental human rights.
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Persian carpets, historically seen as a reflection of nature, also symbolize the connection to mother nature in my work. By incorporating elements of carpets alongside leaves and gardens, I create a visual narrative that intertwines the traditional with the organic—representing life, growth, and the enduring strength of women despite the oppressive boundaries imposed upon them.
Title: "Woman, Life, Freedom" #6
Mixed Media, Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 36”x48”
Year: 2025
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The Persian carpet, celebrated as one of the most beautiful, precious, and globally renowned forms of Persian art, plays a central role in my paintings. It symbolizes both the rich cultural heritage of Iran and the conservative societal structures that have shaped it. While the Persian carpet reflects the breathtaking artistry and depth of Iranian culture, it also represents the way the government has weaponized tradition to suppress and deprive women of their freedom and fundamental human rights.​
Title: "Woman, Life, Freedom" #7
Mixed Media, Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 36”x48”
Year: 2025
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At the same time, Persian carpets have historically been associated with nature, embodying its harmony and beauty. In my work, this connection is highlighted as the carpet becomes a symbol of mother nature, intertwined with leaves and the imagery of a garden—representing life, growth, and resilience. Through this fusion, I aim to convey a dual narrative: the reverence for a culture so deeply rooted in art and beauty, and the struggle against the restrictions it imposes on women seeking freedom and self-expression.
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- Maryam Zadeh
