Artist's Statement: After researching about deep sea ocean, I discovered a cute creature named "Dumbo Octopus". It grabbed my attention the moment I saw a picture of it. However, I realized that not many people acknowledge the existence of various different kinds of deep sea creatures. Therefore, I wanted people to recognize the "hidden wonders in the deep", including all the undiscovered creatures masked in the deep dark ocean. As a result, I decided to approach to this theme in a unique way. I tried to make the artwork as bright and colorful as possible, in contrast with the deep ocean, so that people understand the meaning of my artwork and hope that the deep ocean creatures can be seen and recognized by more people.

Artist's Statement: The deep sea holds a plethora of mysteries, many of which are haunting and horrifying. Yet, it sparks fascination with its endless opportunity for discovery. The oarfish emerging from the dark represents the discoveries we have already made, and the siphonophore looms as a reminder of the otherworldliness often found in deep sea creatures. The darkness that shrouds both suggest that there is still much to uncover however. The darkness is not an indicator of lifelessness but is pregnant with possibilities. This feeling of mystery but intrigue is further emphasized by the vast biodiversity hidden in the dark, such as the chimaera shark, atolla jellies, schools of lantern fish, hadal snailfish, and the whale remains glinting in the background. Finally, the single light source coming from the viewer's perspective shows the startle and wonder one might feel in discovering and witnessing such creatures swimming by in the dark depths.