2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge Finalists: 15-19 year old students
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is delighted to announce the finalists in our 2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge! This international contest engages students in important ocean issues through art. This year we asked students to create a piece of art that highlights the beauty and wonder of life in the deep sea.
We received a record number of submissions this year—over 1,700 entries from 82 different countries—making the selection process challenging yet rewarding. The submissions were breathtaking. Prepare to be amazed by their artwork, which showcases deep-sea creatures and ecosystems and emphasizes the urgent need to preserve the deep sea.
Entries to the Science Without Borders® Challenge are judged in two categories based on age. Here are the finalists selected from the older group of applicants, students 15-19 years old:
"Glowing Allure from the Deep" by Zoe Cheng, Age 17, Taiwan, Province of China
Artist's Statement: My artwork unveils the unique beauty of the ocean's depths, with a focus on the Mesopelagic and Bathypelagic zones. Through vibrant portrayals of creatures like the Anglerfish and Gulper Eel, I aim to showcase their fascinating adaptations. Puzzle pieces symbolize the mysteries awaiting discovery, while the diver represents humanity's intention to coexist with these creatures. Each organism, from the Vampire Squid to the Lion's Mane Jellyfish, embodies the diversity of the deep sea. I play with the unique aesthetic of bioluminescence, drawing attention to prey and enabling navigation in the dark to highlight the diverse adaptations of these creatures. Additionally, this exploration not only enhances ocean literacy but also serves as an inspiration for youth to pursue careers in STEM fields, fostering a clearer understanding and stronger connection to the 'hidden wonders of the deep'.
