I am a native Iraqi artist. In am a 1982 pharmaceutical graduate of the university of Baghdad, but my most enduring interest remained the world of art. I did not bother to apply for the art school in Baghdad because the school was closed to the Baathist party members only, "the government."

While in pharmacy school I was inspired by my many teachers and artists. My first art show in Baghdad was in 1980, opening a door that would lead my work to be featured in several galleries. Later in 1982 I was forced to work as a pharmacist and a medic during the Iran-Iraq war for five years in the army. When it ended in 1989, I left Iraq with my family and moved from Athens then to Los Angeles.

Here in the state I continue to create Art and write poems and recently I published my first book in 2007 "My last thoughts about Iraq which I shared the Iraqi’s thinking and thoughts during the long years of war

Akitu marks the Assyrian festival of spring and the Assyrian new year. In ancient times, the last 12 days of Akitu were marked by special ceremonies and observances. The most basic ceremony celebrated the spring barley harvest. On a deeper level, Akitu is a celebration of the human spirt, a renewal of nature’s colors and life. Shamash, the sun god, gives his golden light to all creatures on earth; were the birds sing songs calling for love. I aim to recreate this celebration in my art show.
Akitu is when you feel that life is beautiful and your heart is calm while holding your lover. Your family looking to the sky, praying for the peace and freedom you seek.
Of course, Akitu is not complete without Inanna (or Ishtar) the goddess and queen of love, war and fertility. I have dedicated so many painting to Ishtar and her desire for love. She has had so many mystery lovers, among the most notable was Tammuz, to whom the gods allowed him to emerge again every spring when the Earth will become green and animals will flourish. Ishtar’s desire for love and renewal has no end.
I have dedicated several paintings to different figures playing all kinds of Mesopotamian instruments, although nature has it is own musical harmony.  Akitu desires music, singing, dance, love and most importantly peace. Within my depictions of love and music, I did not forget my homeland was disrupted and ruined by invaders, this is illustrated by my depiction of injured animals.
In my art show, Akitu in Claremont, I celebrate my ancestors’ achievements and contributions to the entire world. The world which I have wandered searching for peace and better life for my family. A journey where we ended up in a land called America.
I hope my art can spread beauty and peace to all humans.


Peace upon you this spring,
Ishtar, the queen of beauty and love,
Peace to all plants and flowers,
Peace to all birds and trees,
Peace and love to all creatures on earth,
Peace to you bright sun, shamash!

~Paul Batou