The seventh place in the world ranking (Bronze Prize) went to the work "Wind and Water" by Mr. TRỊNH HA LỄ from Vietnam, which scored total 1,157 points.
This work was selected individually as one of the top 10 works by 4 out of 10 judges, with Mr. Albert Con- nelly Jr. (U.S.A.) giving it high marks. The charm of this work is the calm and natural atmosphere that pervades the entire landscape. The creator daringly avoids any high-impact expressions, and instead, sticks to natural, understated expressions. Moreover, the placement and use of various aquatic plants, mainly epiphytic aquatic plants, are skillfully done, and each plant enhances the natural atmosphere in various parts of the layout. The layout itself is natural and stable, and the exposed surface of the stones and driftwood that form the foundation is optimal. In terms of fish selec- tion, the choice of Trigonostigma heteromorpha, one of the stan- dard species for such aquascapes, is a good choice, but it can be said that this work has the potential to enhance the aquascape even more depending on the choice of fish. If we consider the aquarium as a habitat for fish, we would like to see more aquas- capes that make the most of the fish's presence and impression
The third Bronze Prize went to the work with its impressive obliquely tilted composition. The stone-covered slope reminds us of one of the steep cliffs of a canyon, and the slanting trees in the distant background evoke the harsh natural environment with strong winds blowing. The white sand in the foreground may be a mountain stream flowing beneath the cliff. This is a dynamic and dramatically composed aquascape that stirs the imagination. The aquatic plants are mainly mosses and epiphytic aquatic plants, and although they are not so flamboyant, they are effectively planted to follow the shadows of the composition and fit the atmosphere of this aquascape. The choice of fish species and their swimming positions were also good
Comments
A really unusual design.
It was extremely difficult for me to analyze the individual aspects so that at some point I gave up.
Instead I focused on understanding the creative idea. In fact the title fits the layout. It looks like a strong gust pushed the structures from left to right. The resulting landscape is truly one of a kind. The openings add lightness and depth to the design. The very dark colors and deep shadows add a lot of drama.
A sophisticated concept that offers more than meets the eye.
My sincere admiration!
— Frederic Fuss
Awesome layout very dynamic and vigorous.
Good perspective and nice shadows giving a sense of depth.
The health of plants more precisely the health of mosses could be better at the same time the Anubias could be planted more naturally. They are very lined up.
If the central void in the upper portion would bigger would increase the focal point and the layout would win more perspective and sense of depth.
But anyway congratulations for an amazing job!!!
— Andre Longarço
I love the dynamics of the structure. I gave an especially good ranking for this tank because even though it is a huge elaborated structure the ratio and balance of hardscape and plants is perfect. Also a huge natural feeling was obtained by the author. Congratulations!
— Juan Puchades Rufino
Various expressions are created with various stories and backgrounds.
Q: Please tell us your thoughts on receiving the award.
A: Two years ago, my city went into lockdown and all activities were suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I was unable to see my friends in person, but this year, all activities were back to normal. Two members of my aquarium group, including myself participated in the IAPLC 2022, and the group got together to watch the YouTube announcement of this year’s results. We were all staring at the screen, very nervous and excited when the moderators announced the rankings. When the other member was announced as 14th place, the entire group erupted in cheers. My nerves grew even stronger when they started announcing the 7th place and above. Finally, my name was displayed in the top seven, and for the first time in my four years of participating in the IAPLC, I was able to make it into the top seven. We were very happy to see both of us achieve such high rankings and that all of our hard work and effort had paid off. We will use this as encouragement to continue our passion.
Q: Please tell us about the theme, motif, idea, etc. of this work.
A: I wanted to express the movement of an old stream in the forest. I imagined an uneven terrain, with rocks slowly being broken into smaller pieces by the stream. Also, strong winds uprooted trees, and their roots were carried by the stream and caught on large rocks. I expressed such a story.
Q: What is it about planted aquariums that appeal to you?
A: I have had a great passion for keeping fish as pets since I was a child. Watching fish swimming around is very relaxing. I think that plantings are a step up from aquariums and make the aquarium look more natural and more vibrant. I also think that aquariums can have different looks depending on the story or background you want to express. In modern times, I think it is essential to bring nature into the home.
Author Trịnh Hạ Lễ / VietNam
