The response to our Science Without Borders® Challenge has been overwhelming! We’ve been blown away by the sheer number of submissions that we received from aspiring young scientists and artists all over the world. Last week, we proudly unveiled the finalists in the 11-14 age group, and now, we’re ecstatic to announce the finalists in the 15-19 year-old category.
These young artists hail from all corners of the globe, including China, Indonesia, Korea, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. You will be amazed at their incredible artwork and how well they captured the essence of the theme, “The Sixth Extinction.” Students depicted a diverse range of endangered marine animals in their artwork including whales, fish, polar bears, sharks, sea otters, horseshoe crabs, seals, and crocodiles. We were amazed by these students’ boundless creativity, execution of the theme, and artistic abilities.
Without further ado, please meet our talented 15-19 year old finalists! These exceptional artists have not only showcased their incredible talents but also their unwavering passion for marine conservation.
"Mother's Protection" by Yewon Lee, Age 16, United States of America
ARTIST’S STATEMENT: Despite being one of the most iconic marine animals, blue whales are on the brink of extinction mostly due to human activities, including whaling and ship collisions. Although various recovery plans for blue whales have been made, they are still classified as endangered species. In my art piece, I aimed to evoke positive emotions by painting a mother whale with her child showcasing their beauty. However, I also wanted to convey the urgent need for conservation efforts by painting vibrant and colorful corals gradually losing their color and dying which symbolize the dire circumstances they are in. I hope this painting can successfully deliver the importance of preserving these majestic animals and inspire action toward their conservation.
Stay tuned! We will announce the winners in the next couple of weeks.