[TheStoriesOfTop7] Eternal - Josh Sim / Malaysia - IAPLC 2023

The space between the two is gently connected by a bush of stem plants, creating a layout with a sense of magnificence. Although the driftwood has a grotesque shape, the coloring of the tape-shaped aquatic plants and stem plants planted as accents diminishes the impression and sublimates it into a unique presence that evokes a sense of eternity,

IAPLC 2023 World Ranking Announcement - World Ranking 0003 - Silver Prize

Eternal   

Author: Josh Sim / Malaysia

Aquarium Size/W1,500×D600×H500 (mm)

Aquatic Plants

Blyxa Japonica
Eleocharis Acicularis
Eleocharis Montevidensis
Eleocharis pusilla
Hygrophila sp. 'Araguaya Red Sharp'
Hydrocotyle Verticillata
Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' .
Limnophila helferi
Myriophyllum mattogrossense
Rotala rotundifolia
Rotala sp. 'Orange Juice.
Rotala nanjean
Vesicularia Dubyana

Fish & Invertebrates 

Corydoras Pygmaeus
Corydoras Aeneus "Venezuela"
Otocinclus sp.
Crossocheilus oblongus
Caridina multidentata

AWARDS

World Ranking 0003 - Silver Prize IAPLC 2023

The third place in the world ranking (Silver Prize) went to Mr. Josh Sim of Malaysia for his work "Eternal" with a total score of 1,226 points. This work was selected as one of the top 10 individual works by 5 out of 10 judges, with high praise from American judge Mr. Albert Connelly Jr. The layout uses unique driftwood with some of the bark remaining, and the boldly lying down driftwood adds dynamism and depth to the impression of this aquascape. The reason why this layout does not feel oppressive despite the use of large, thick driftwood is due to the color of the driftwood and the use of vertical aquatic plants in the foreground, which moderately soften the impression of the driftwood, and these layout techniques are evident throughout. The Corydoras swimming in the bottom layer complement the impression of the fallen wood on the ground, and the excellent choice of fish shows the creator's sense of style in a subtle way. Although the work has a highly novel expression with personality, it looks elegant in the way it is presented in a casual manner, rather than giving a strong impression and that is the beauty of this work.

Comments

After so many years in lAPLC, to me, every participation is a joyous process that worth celebration by itself and a learning journey that to be treasured, winning prizes is icing on the cake. However, this year the award feels extra special because I have done it with an underwater Nature Aquarium concept and the spirit of Wabi-Sabi following Sensei Amano's guidance. In the modern aquascaping contest era, it is not easy to achieve anything without complicated hardscape structure, that is where I feel it has drifted away from the true beauty of this hobby - which is the aquatic plant itself! Therefore, I am very happy that this year i have done it with a layout that emphasizing more on the aquatic plants and showcasing a good living habitat for the fish. I hope that I can influence hobbyist around the world to start enjoying the beauty of aquatic plants again and use them as the main attraction to create a beautiful layout. Last but not least, I would like to thank APLC organizing committee for carrying Sensei's heritage and legacy all these years, as well as everybody involved in the screening and judging process - it is a tough and thankless job. Thank you and I am already looking forward to 2024 and what it shall bring!