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.
First Place (11-14): "Wonders of the Twilight Zone" by Claire Kim, Age 12, Canada
Artist's Statement: Under the deep sea where it is a dark world full of mysteries, there are weird creatures we have not seen. When we think of the deep dark parts of the ocean, the creatures that come to mind usually look unattractive, bizarre, or very unsettling. However deep down in the twilight zone, it is like various colours of fireworks. You can find life with vibrant pinks and blues like a whole new dimension with its own beauty and mysteries. Some even carry light and grace upon seeing them. When a light is lit in the twilight zone, we can see the many charmers who have been hiding in the dark. The deep sea is not all about the big, scary, ugly, or distorted looking creatures, it is about a magical world full of beauty and mesmerizing sights to behold.
