Winners of the 2023 Science Without Borders® Challenge
The 2023 Science Without Borders® Challenge invited young artists from around the world to raise awareness about endangered marine species with the theme, “The Sixth Extinction.” This theme challenged students to reflect on the alarming rate at which marine species are disappearing—many due to human activities such as overfishing, pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction.
With over 1,200 entries from 67 countries, the competition showcased an extraordinary level of talent and environmental consciousness. Students aged 11-19 submitted artwork that not only celebrated the beauty of endangered species but also highlighted the critical threats they face. Their detailed imagery and emotional depth brought to life the struggles of species like the vaquita, hawksbill sea turtle, and many other marine species teetering on the brink of extinction.
The winning pieces captivated us with more than just their artistic brilliance—they delivered powerful messages about the fragile balance of marine ecosystems and humanity’s role in their preservation. These artworks are more than visual masterpieces; they are urgent calls to action, reminding us that the future of our oceans depends on the choices we make today. We are honored to showcase the 2023 Challenge winners, whose art inspires hope and a renewed commitment to protecting marine biodiversity.
Winners & Finalists Ages 11-14:
First Place (11-14): "The sea bears witness to everything" by Yanjun Mao, Age 14, China
ARTIST'S STATEMENT: The carapace of the hawksbill sea turtle is beautiful ，This has led to a continuous decline in the number of hawksbill sea turtles, and there is a danger of extinction. The background is a tearful eye, and the eyeball is the earth, which symbolizes the ocean. The ocean is the home of the hawksbill sea turtle. The ocean has witnessed all the history of the hawksbill sea turtle. not only the importance of this species, but also witnessing the killing of many hawksbill sea turtles by humans, This evidence proves that the earth is facing the sixth mass extinction. Hawksbill sea turtles are just one of them. The water drop represents the sorrow of the turtle, The light of the sun in the distance represents the hope of the future, because human beings have realized the importance of protecting marine life.
Winners & Finalists Ages 15-19:
Third Place (15-19): "Writing the Next Chapter" by Annette Kim, Age 15, Republic of Korea
ARTIST’S STATEMENT: To create an artwork representing "The Sixth Extinction", I wanted to show the importance of human contribution to the Sixth Extinction that we are currently experiencing. I also wanted to include the history of extinctions that we've had in the past, so I decided to show all these factors by making a series of textbooks that each represent an extinction. I included the fifth, fourth, third, and second extinctions, each book describing the cause of every death. I showed a human hand grabbing the sixth extinction, to show that humans are in control and most affecting this extinction. I included endangered marine animals that I found on the IUCN Red List website, like a Hawaiian Monk Seal and a Green Turtle, and coral reefs to show the disappearing parts of our ocean. I also used gray tones to color the rest of the background so the extinctions could stand out.
