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:
"Anthropocene" by Keyun Xiao, Age 16, United States of America
ARTIST’S STATEMENT: Jurassic, Carboniferous, and now the Anthropocene, the age of human destruction. The dualism of prioritizing ownership, the material accumulation, and exploitation in pursuit of unhindered development progress. We float above in the name of the reciprocal relationship between human and non-human beings. However, that is a dagger to our ecosystem, especially to endangered creatures such as Ursus maritimus. That dagger is climate warming, a distinct seed for the 6th mass extinction. Smoke from factories and modern roads is weaponized through petro-capitalist extraction, and there is no “outside” that organisms can escape to—they slither into their lungs and penetrates their cell membranes. All the organisms left behind spiral down in the history of evolution in monochrome, and Ursus maritimus should not be the next in the spiral. They are hurting, and every form and movement is another opportunity to push in the direction of justice, transforming the Anthropocene into a sanctuary.
