Following the announcement of our 11–14 age-group finalists, the Science Without Borders® Challenge continues with the 15–19 age group. Each year, the Challenge invites students to explore the ocean through both art and science—and this year’s finalists have done just that in remarkable ways.
Representing countries across the globe, including Canada, China, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and the United States, these talented young artists dive into the 2026 theme, “Microscopic Marine Life,” revealing a world that is rarely seen but deeply felt. Their artworks illuminate the hidden systems that sustain our planet, from oxygen-producing phytoplankton to deep-sea microbes driving chemical cycles far below the surface.
Through a range of creative approaches, these students transform the invisible into something tangible. Some reimagine microorganisms as vast, architectural forms or glowing ecosystems, while others focus on the delicate structures and life cycles of individual species. Many works explore powerful ideas of connection—between life and death, surface and deep sea, and humanity’s reliance on organisms too small to see.
What stands out most is not just the technical skill on display but the depth of understanding behind each piece. These artists highlight how microscopic marine life forms the foundation of ocean ecosystems, regulates Earth’s climate, and ultimately makes life as we know it possible.
We’re proud to celebrate this group of finalists, whose work challenges us to look more closely, think more deeply, and better appreciate the unseen forces shaping our world.
2026 Science Without Borders® Challenge Finalists (Ages 15-19)
"Altum (Deep Ocean)" by Chloe Lee, Age 16, Republic of Korea
ARTIST’S STATEMENT: The creation process required patience and sustained focus, as small circular forms and repeated lines gradually developed into a unified whole. The sea butterflies encourages environmental responsibility, showing that small, consistent efforts can create a meaningful impact over time, like these organisms, which support nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and marine food webs. The dark background represents the depths of the sea and the lines suggest life emerging from within that darkness. This limited color palette directs attention toward intricate patterns and fine details, revealing the microscopic complexity of marine life. The utilization of both tessellation and zentangle techniques portrays structure and fluidity in nature. Tessellation conveys interconnected ecosystems and the repetition found in natural systems, whereas zentangle introduces organic variation and growth, creating layered patterns. Through this work, I hope to highlight the beauty, fragility, and essential nature of microscopic marine life and encourage continued care for these ecosystems.
Stay tuned! We will announce the winners in the next couple of weeks.
