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.
"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
