2020 Science Without Borders® Challenge: Middle School Finalists
Congratulations to the middle school finalists in our 2020 Science Without Borders® Challenge! This international student art competition aims to engage middle students in ocean conservation through art. This year we asked students to illustrate things people can do to help save coral reefs–and boy did they deliver!
"Holding the Key to Coral Rebirth" by Maree Sialepis, Age 14, Australia
‘Holding The Key to Coral Rebirth’ is an artwork that intends to create global awareness of the significance of scientific intervention and its capability to conserve and rebirth coral reefs. The composition’s background depicts dull, lifeless monochromatic reefs captured in the sea bubbles and choked by chains. The varying tones of lead pencil create an exaggerated, colourless depiction of the possible fate of the coral reefs without intervention. In the foreground, the power of scientific intervention is indicated through the subject of the scientist. The scientist’s facial expression and eye contact with the test tube allows the audience to identify the scientist’s amazement and success in unlocking the future of coral reefs through laboratory growth and nursing. The depiction of a marine biologist reaching for a key signifies the power, success and solutions scientists are working towards achieving in order to take action to conserve coral reefs worldwide.