2020 International Art Competition, 1st Place

"The painting depicts a young girl named Nineveh. She is carrying a wounded lion, which represents her nation in pain, just like the Tree of Life continues on with the new generation in hope and peace."

Reni Stephan was born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1981, but his family would later make the difficult decision to leave their home country due to persecution. They resettled in Detroit, Michigan in 1993, where he would discover his profound love for drawing. His talent was undeniable, even at an early age. Stephan later attended the College for Creative Studies, where he furthered his artistic studies. With each piece he creates, he merges his love of art and his heritage. He is committed to recreating ancient Assyrian works that have been destroyed in Iraq and Syria.