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:
"For the Greater Good" by Katherine Gelhausen, Age 17, United States of America
Artist's Statement: When researching this theme, I came across many different wondrous ecosystems and creatures, but what caught my eye was the magnificent whale fall. Learning about how when a creature as massive as a blue whale (which is the specific whale I've painted) dies it can not only feed an ecosystem but become one itself for years and possibly decades was awe-inspiring. In my painting, you will find creatures that can be spotted at a whale fall such as the red osedax bone-eating worms, the hagfish scavengers eating soft tissue, and the muusoctopus who are also scavengers. My piece includes creatures from all stages of decomposition to highlight how important and amazing the whale falls are. The bright, almost fluorescent colors I've used show that this ecosystem itself is otherworldly down on the ocean floor, and how despite us normally not being able to see it clearly, they are still magical
