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 Common Fangtooth" by Abbie Luthena, Age 16, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Artist's Statement: Anoplogaster cornuta. Found in depths of 500-5000 metres below the water surface of tropical and temperate oceans, a fangtooth’s teeth are the largest in the ocean in body size ratio so that it can envelope its prey whole. At first glance, this fish may be considered ugly. Although during the drawing process, I found the intricate lines of their prehistoric, bony exterior profoundly beautiful. Each line interlinks with the other to form intricate patterns like henna tattoos. The fangtooth represents the strange wonder of the deep sea that has encapsulated me since I was little. Deep sea creatures are powerful. They are impenetrable from time and conflict unlike the abrupt clock of humanity. These deep creatures do not gleam in the sea surface sunlight, but their power to survive the ages in a timeless, ominous manner is the wonder of the deep sea for me.
