We were lucky to catch up with Ladan Sedighi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ladan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Art has always been second nature to me. Even as a child, I found solace and joy in creating. My elementary school art classes weren’t just a subject, I thrived in them. The process felt effortless as if I was meant to do this.
When it came time to choose a high school, I knew deep down that a creative path was the only one I wanted to pursue. I set my sights on a specialized graphic design high school, Azadegan, in Tehran. At just fourteen years old, I had to convince my mother that this was more than just a passing interest—it was my calling. The decision carried weight because once I passed their entrance exam and enrolled, there was no turning back. Their curriculum was vastly different from a traditional high school making it nearly impossible to switch paths later.
Despite the challenges, I never doubted my choice. Those years were transformative. I thrived in an environment surrounded by like-minded creatives, immersing myself in the study of design, technique, and art history. This passion led me to pursue my undergraduate studies at Tehran Fine Arts University, one of the most prestigious art institutions in Iran. Every day spent learning, experimenting, and creating felt like I was exactly where I belonged.

Ladan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an American-Iranian (Persian) artist and designer, deeply influenced by both Western and Eastern artistic traditions. My work explores minimalism, light and space, hard-edge painting, and geometric abstraction.
My artistic journey began in Tehran, where I attended a specialized graphic design high school, followed by earning my Bachelor of Graphic Design from Tehran Fine Arts University. Those years were pivotal, exposing me to both Eastern and Western art history, as well as the cultural richness of Persian architecture, textiles, and ornamentation. Traveling through Iran, visiting contemporary galleries, and immersing myself in the historic beauty of cities like Isfahan and Shiraz deeply shaped my aesthetic sensibilities.
In 2001, I moved back to the United States. Years later, in 2017, I pursued my Master of Fine Arts at Claremont Graduate University in California. Graduate school was a turning point—I became deeply engaged with the Light and Space movement and minimalism, which dramatically transformed my work. I experimented with unconventional materials, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic mediums to create interactive, reflective, and immersive pieces.
What sets my work apart is my innovative use of materials and my ability to merge historical influences with contemporary abstraction. My pieces are not just visual—they are experiential. Reflective surfaces, luxurious color palettes, and meticulous compositions invite the viewer to engage, move, and interact with the work in a way that is deeply personal.
One of my proudest achievements as an artist is discovering my unique creative voice. After years of exploration, hard work, and dedication, I finally arrived at a style that feels wholly my own. It was a breakthrough moment—one that solidified my identity as an artist.
At its core, my mission is simple yet profound: I want my art to bring joy. I strive to create pieces that evoke pleasure, ecstasy, and wonder. My work is about more than aesthetics; it’s about offering a sensory experience that uplifts and transforms the viewer’s space and perception.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

One of the biggest challenges artists face after graduating is the lack of knowledge about the business side of the art world. Art schools teach you how to refine your craft, but they rarely prepare you for what comes next—how to navigate galleries, market your work, connect with collectors, or sustain a career. I wish there had been a structured program or mentorship opportunities that bridged that gap between artistic training and professional success. It’s something I had to learn through experience, and I know many emerging artists struggle with the same issue.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, creating art isn’t work—it’s a deep source of joy. Every moment in the studio, every brushstroke, every experiment with light and material is an act of pure fulfillment. But beyond that, one of the greatest rewards of being an artist is the sense of connection—both to my own creative spirit and to the larger art community.
Being surrounded by artists, engaging in conversations about ideas, and experiencing incredible works of art in galleries, museums, and fairs is truly soul-nourishing. Art has a way of transcending boundaries; it allows us to communicate emotions, histories, and perspectives in ways words often cannot. When someone connects with my work—when they experience that moment of joy or resonance—that is the ultimate reward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ladansedighi.com
• Instagram: @ladan_s_art
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits

Head Shot & Studio Shots taken by: Lucely Jeandron

Gallery Shots taken by: Jonathan Yacoub