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2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge: Introducing the 15-19 Year-Old Finalists

The response to our 2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge has been overwhelming! We’ve been blown away by the sheer number of submissions we received from aspiring young artists worldwide. Earlier this 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 Canada, India, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, 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, “Hidden Wonders of the Deep.” In their artwork, students portrayed a variety of deep-sea creatures, such as anglerfish, strawberry squid, basket stars, Japanese spider crabs, oarfish, and tubeworms. They also depicted mysterious deep-sea environments like whale falls and hydrothermal vents. We were amazed by these students’ 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.

"The Light Within a Shadow" by Sain Kim, Age 17, United States of America

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Artist's Statement: The deep depths of the ocean, some fear it and well truthfully some don't know it. Of course, it's well known that the ocean is a one-of-a-kind wonder in our world, but many people don't understand the magnitude of how wide and diverse it is, and here in the wide and diverse, lays a shadow of unknown where the most distinctive and unique set of creatures voyage and ponder. Due to the lack of light that reaches the deepest levels of the ocean, it is practically pitch black, and here is where adaptations play a large role in the survival of many deep sea creatures. For example, take the formidable Angler Fish, it uses its "esca," to emit a bright attractive light luring in unsuspecting prey. Just like an angler, the fish hooks, lines, and sinkers its prey straight into its mouth for a delicious little snack.

Stay tuned! We will announce the winners in the next couple of weeks.

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