2017 International Art Competition, 2nd Place

The first painting in Givarkes's Assyrian Calligraphy series, the piece was inspired by the Assyrian lotus flower design and combines the Assyrian letter tav with the flower. Givarkes's unique approach to calligraphy incorporates vibrant colors, straying from the sole use of black in traditional calligraphic works.

Born in Urmia, Atra Givarkes is currently based in California. After graduating from high school, Atra attended Tabriz Azad University in Iran, studying graphic design. One year into her education, she relocated to the United States and continued her studies at Modesto Junior College, completing an Associate Degree in Fine Arts. She then transferred to the University of California San Diego, obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Visual Arts in 2016. While attending college, she worked as a volunteer curator for the university’s art gallery, and participated in many student exhibitions. Her pieces and drawings are comprised of calligraphic compositions that reflect both her memories and her identity as an Assyrian.