Dream On - IIAC 2019 #2 - Josh Sim / Malaysia

30 June 2024

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"Dream On" is created based on a scene I discovered during one of my expeditions to our Malaysian local forest.

Dream On - IIAC 2019 #2 - Josh Sim / Malaysia

I saw a fallen tree in a dried up river bank during a very dry season, the tree trunk was badly eroded, leaving a very beautiful shape and texture that caught my attention. I tried to imagine how would this fallen tree looks like during raining season where the river is flooded again and aquatic plants are growing around it. The construction of this layout is relatively smooth and straight forward, I used large pieces of Malaysian driftwood to create the impact and dynamic feeling, smaller rocks and aquatic plants at the background helps to create a good depth to the overall layout. Aquascaping has been a dream journey to me, it is a very important part of my life and i hope that i can continue this dream for as long as possible. "Dream On" represent my passion for this hobby and i would also like to send a message to everyone who loves aquascaping: Do not give up - Dream until your dream comes true!

IIAC 2019 World Ranking Announcement - World Ranking 0002 - Gold Prize

Dream On

Author: Josh Sim / Malaysia

W120 x D60 x H45 (cm)

Comments from Lin Ting Quan

A work with great tension and extension, plus the perfect skill of photograph. The structure of different hardscape, arrangement of plants and strong impact on the front are perfect. The sense of depth is also very good, the further the lighter, makes this work looks more special. The hardscape in the center is too straightforward, doesn't fit in the whole picture. And using Micranthemum sp "Monte carlo here try to modify, but drag too much attention to this part, neglect the details in the background.

Comments from Hsu Yung Lin

Excellent skill on using driftwood to create the sense of depth in this tank, a very naturel scene. But the selection of animal is too moderate, couldn't add more points to this work.

Comments from Byrne Miao

The driftwood in the foreground has great visual impact, and the rocks in the background is also a great choice. Large and small, close by and far away, creates the sense of depth. The color of plants in the background is very beautiful, great arrangement, rich and vivid but not messy, we can see the scaper is very good at plant trimming.

Comments from Andy

Boldly using driftwood to catch everyone's attention. This work would be even more ideal if the scaper can chose fishes with brighter color.

Comments from Rony Suzuki

The great execution of hardscape and plants generated this incredible sense of depth in this layout. Great job!

Comments from Frederic Fuss

I think this is the strongest and best design and my favorite this year. At the IIAC 2019 we had some strong layouts to admire, this is the most successful in its entirety. A masterful design is not only the result of bringing all aspects such as hardscaping, planting and tank condition to perfection. A masterwork is a consistent artwork in which a successful overall impression is achieved, here everything fits together perfectly. A very dynamic and stringent layout paired with varied planting. The effect of depth does not only extend over an optical effect, the design itself leaves a deep impression on the viewer and appeals to the soul. And yet it is fresh, it is already a classic. Thank you very much!

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