Get ready to be inspired! The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is delighted to reveal the finalists of the 2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge. This year’s theme is “Hidden Wonders of the Deep,” and we challenged young artists from around the world to create a piece of artwork that highlights the beauty and importance of deep-sea creatures or ecosystems. We received over 1,700 entries from 82 different countries, making the selection process challenging yet rewarding.
Each submission, from intricate illustrations of mysterious deep-sea creatures to captivating depictions of unique deep-sea ecosystems, contributed a unique perspective to understanding the ocean’s mysteries. After careful deliberation, our judges have chosen finalists whose exceptional artwork exceeded expectations in creativity, originality, and adherence to the theme.
The submissions were breathtaking, and we’re eager for you to see them. Without further ado, here are the finalists for Ages 11-14 of the 2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge. Prepare to be amazed by their artwork, which showcases deep-sea creatures and ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need to preserve the deep sea.
"Praying" by Felicia Fang, Age 14, China
Artist's Statement: In the past days, whale fall provides a great amount of nutrition for the marine animals, making the ocean full of vigour. The decorations on the skeleton present the beauty of life. However, under the gorgeous skeleton, there’s tons of trashes and plastic objects, creating a strong contrast. As sea pollution is increasing, life is even more difficult for the deep sea animals due to the lack of foods. Only depending on a whale fall cannot support the survival of all deep sea creatures. Therefore, they decide to transfer the hope from depending on a whale fall to saving themselves on their own. The plastic tie around every creatures’ neck alerts them of this disaster, also reminding them to fight together. They share a part of their body to the others, praying for the end of this disaster, praying for the human being to leave a way out for them.
