2019 International Art Competition, 1st Place

“Based on the 1st epic ever written, Gilgamesh. Seeking everlasting life after a long journey looking for answers, Gilgamesh collected a plant that was taken from him by a snake on his way back to Babylon, he followed the advice to build a great city, a civilization that gave the world light, writing, science, stories, wisdom, and myths, as it was the only way for him to be remembered forever. There are three languages present in my painting, cuneiform, Arabic, and Assyrian, and many colors which describe the change in Mesopotamia. Despite the invaders, war, destruction, oppression, and genocide of indigenous peoples, illustrated by word N in Ishtar body, Mesopotamia is present in every part of the world and it is the first civilization to give light to human kind.”

Paul Batou, a native to Iraq, received a degree in pharmaceutical studies in 1982 from the University of Baghdad. While in school, Batou was inspired by many teachers and artists at the University. In 1980, he participated in his first art show in Baghdad. After graduating, he was forced to serve in the Iraq-Iran war as a medic. He left Iraq in 1989 and moved to Los Angeles, where he has continued to create art that celebrates Assyrian heritage and inspires many.