[TheStoriesOfTop7] Longing - Gang Zhao / China - IAPLC 2023

The key points are the arrangement of stones and driftwood on both sides of the valley leading to the back space, which look as if they have been gouged by the water current, and the white cosmetic sand divided into three areas largely. In addition, by making a bridge-like connection at one point, a visual effect similar to that of a tunnel composition is created, further emphasizing the perspective of the layout.

IAPLC 2023 World Ranking Announcement - World Ranking 0002 - Gold Prize

Longing    

Author: Gang Zhao / China

Aquarium Size/W1,200×D600×H450 (mm)

Aquatic Plants

Ricardia chamedryfolia
Riccardia graeffei
Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba'
Rotala mexicana 'Goias'
Eriocaulon setaceum
Glossostigma elatinoides
Micranthemum sp.
Eleocharis pusilla
Cryptocoryne parva
Littorella uniflora
Ranunculus inundatus
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides
Hygrophila pinnatifida
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'
Bucephalandra sp. 'Mini'
Hemianthus micranthemoides var.
Hottonia inflata
Rotala rotundifolia 'Red'
Rotala rotundifolia 'Green'

Fish & Invertebrates 

Paracheirodon axelrodi
Ancistrus sp.
Caridina multidentata

AWARDS

World Ranking 0002 - Gold Prize IAPLC 2023

AGA 2023 - Third Place - Aquatic Garden >320L

"Longing" by Mr. Gang Zhao of China, which scored total 1,390 points. This work was selected individually as one of the top 10 works by 6 out of 10 judges, and the Brazilian judge, Mr. Andrē Longarço, chose it as his Best Aquarium.

Comments from Mr. Andre Longarço (Brazil)

"Grandiose and magnificent" summarize this wonderful work. Its size and proportions are gigantic and the scenery is impressive. Shadows, volumes and lines of strength were very well crafted and dosed. The layout is aggressive and smooth as the same time, as divided the entire composition very well, using the lines of the golden ratio, both vertically and horizontally. The perspective was very well crafted, being magically crowned by the round glade after the main passage. Despite working with a few types of plants, the work was neither monotonous nor boring, thanks to the dynamics and curves printed in the hardscape work. Hardscape that was very well worked including the reflections of the side glasses, giving continuity where it was needed. The movement of the fish corroborates with the main flow of the aquarium and the "nagare" of the work is very strong. As a unique point to be improved:! would like to see the excellent general dynamics and movement of the work also being applied in the frontal plane, as it was a little monotonous and very flat and aligned with the front glass. Anyway, congratulations for presenting such fine and elegant work, delicate and aggressive at the same time. It is works like these that make Us believe that there are still many people who contemplate and appreciate Nature and have it within their heart and soul. Very good job, my sincere regards! Amano sensei is very proud of you.

Comments from Mr. Cho Jaesun - AGA 2023

This artwork brings the appearance of the grandeur of nature into the piece. The positioning of the rock overhang that appears small near the vanishing point is meticulously planned showcasing the artist's meticulousness and passion. Throughout our work we often grapple with ourselves. Do we stop at this point or do we push further? This piece displays the depth of the artist's patience. The placement of the plants is perfect completing a stunning landscape. Its magnificence becomes a significant advantage in the contest scoring. I admire the artist's passion and am grateful for presenting such a magnificent piece.

Comments from Mr. Andre Longarco - AGA 2023

Monumental.
An amazing hardscape work and spatial vision.
It is impressive how the layout naturally flows through this ravine and seems to develop endlessly. The highlight of this work is without any doubt the clearing that we find at the end of the route after passing through the imposing portico. This clearing gives even more strength to the work because it is together with the "Empty Amano" positioned in the golden ratio serving in a certain way as a vanishing point or reference for all vectors of the work!
The lines of force and perspective are very strong and are accentuated by the positioning and direction of the fish.
The excellent work on shadows and contrasts is also notable.
As usual works in this style use few types of plants and this one is surprising precisely because it uses more than 10 varieties.
In conclusion it is a beautiful conceptual work and a great example of inspiration for future layouts!
My sincere congratulations!!!

Comments

The long awaited results of the lAPLC 2023 were announced on August 26 at 7:00 pm (China time). My heart was pounding. Since the announcements were made from the top 100, my spirits were getting heavy as the works were introduced one after another. However, I felt the happiest moment when I found out that the 2nd place in the world ranking (Gold Prize) was me. I was so excited all at once that tears naturally welled up in my eyes. At that moment, I felt that all of my obsession with planted aquariums and the efforts I had put into them had been rewarded. The past few years have been very difficult at times, but I have kept on trying.