[TheStoriesOfTop7] Covered in green again - Katsuki Tanaka/Japan - IAPLC 2024

In contrast to the powerful composition, the vibrant red and green aquatic plants keep the viewer's attention, making it difficult to leave this vivid world. The space in the upper back of the aquarium is linked to the decorative sand in the front, adding depth and a three-dimensional effect to what could have otherwise appeared as a flat composition. This work evokes a unique sense of blending fantasy with reality.

IAPLC 2024 World Ranking Announcement - World Ranking 0007 - Bronze Prize

Covered in green again

Author: Katsuki Tanaka / Japan

Aquarium Size/W1,200 × D500 x H500

Aquatic Plants

Rotala wallichii

Rotala rotundifolia 'Wayanad'

Rotala sp. 'Blood Red'

Rotala sp. 'Vietnam'

Callicostella prabaktiana

Vesicularia dubyana

Cabomba furcata

Ludwigia ovalis ovalis

Ludwigia sp. 'Super Red'

Myriophyllum sp.

Myriophyllum tuberculatum

Myriophyllum hippuroides

Micranthemum glomeratum

Micranthemum tweediei

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'

Bucephalandra sp.

Eleocharis acicularis

Eleocharis parvula

Hydrocotyle tripartita

Vallisneria nana

Sagittaria subulata forma pusilla

Hra

Fish & Invertebrates

Danio choprai

Caridina multidentata

AWARDS

World Ranking 0007 Bronze Prize IAPLC 2024

Aquascaping steps IAPLC 2024 Rank 07 - Convered in Green Again - Tanaka Katsuki / Japan

The seventh place (Bronze Prize), with a score of 917 points, went to Mr. Katsuki Tanaka from Japan for the work "Covered in green again".

Although it wasn't chosen as the Best Aquarium, five out of ten judges selected it in their top ten. This highly unique work stood out for its layout composition and colorful palette, breaking away from conventional naturalism to resemble a pastel landscape painted with aquatic plants. The work expanded the possibilities of aquatic plant layouts. Despite challenges in maintaining the stem plants, there are many works that use only ferns, mosses and a limited variety of aquatic plants. This work's expression and presence in IAPLC 2024 are significant from the point of view of "enjoy aquatic plants". If more works that avoid formulaic expressions and embrace individual creativity, like this one, continue to emerge, the future of IAPLC will become even more exciting.

Comments

I am deeply grateful to have been awarded the Bronze Prize at IAPLC 2024. I believe this contest is a unique celebration of art that uses living plants and offers a rare opportunity for creative expression beyond borders. The founder, Mr.Takashi Amano, had a deep love and respect for nature and, possessing a spirit of innovation, always pursued the creation of unparalleled works. His playful desire to "surprise the viewer" captivated the hearts of many aquarists. I believe this very spirit is the essence of today's Nature Aquarium. I aspire to carry on this vision, taking up the challenge to create works that inspire not only the judges but also many others. When creating, I feel like I become the fish in the aquarium, swimming freely among the aquatic plants in the water. For me, living an urban life, that is a precious time of serenity during which I am at one with nature. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the fellow participants who shared this experience with me, as well as the organizers and management who provided this wonderful opportunity. I am also deeply thankful to my family and friends for their support. I will continue to pour my passion into expanding the possibilities of aquascaping and stay committed to the path of creation. Thank you very much.