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.
"Life in Death" by Ziah Kim, Age 14, United States of America
Artist's Statement: Throughout a whale’s life, it is constantly providing and living for others; for instance, a whale provides a place for barnacles to attach to for food and a place to live while also absorbing human-generated carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Even after it passes, the whale serves as a home, an ecosystem, and a resource, which is why so many species of animals gather following a whale’s demise. A whale represents a life that is continuous even throughout its passing. Although it may not be apparent what is unique about the remains of a whale at first glance, there are so many beautiful creatures thriving off of the great cetacean in darkness. Also, hydrothermal vents are vital for sea life as they balance the chemical composition of the minerals in the ocean. Many beautiful creatures lie hidden in one of the deepest, darkest places in the world, thanks to whales.
