[TheStoriesOfTop7] Summer Solstice - Fuhong Guan / China - IAPLC 2019

08 May 2024

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The first Silver Award is given to a magnificent layout work presenting a circular opening in the center of the tank. The entries with eccentric compositions usually polarize the judges' opinions, but this aquascape received favorable responses from the majority of them. We can assume that this is because of its balanced composition work, finely adjusted on both sides, and beautiful color combination. Although the aquascapes that mainly consist of moss often give a gloomy impression, the maker avoids it by effectively presenting the red colors of plants and fish in this layout. The blue gradation background is also visually effective.

[TheStoriesOfTop7] Summer Solstice - Fuhong Guan / China - IAPLC 2019

3rd place (Silver prize) in the World Rankings is Mr. Fuhong Guan (China) with his work "Summer Solstice." Featuring a circular opening located right at the center, this uniquely composed layout emphasizes making a strong visual impact, not a sense of nature. Every year a certain number of contest submissions are created in the similar fashion, and in the most cases they often draw mixed opinions from the judges. This layout also has mixed reviews, but it was held in the highest regard as the Best Aquarium by Mr. Andre Longarco (Brazil). Here is his comments on the layout.

IAPLC 2019 Gallery - Look back history - World Ranking 0003 - Silver Prize

Summer Solstice

Author: Fuhong Guan / China

Aquarium Size/W120×D50×H50 (cm)

Aquatic Plants

Riccardia chamedryfolia

Callicostella prabaktiana

Vesicularia montagnei

Bucephalandra sp.

Bucephalandra sp. 'Mini'

Rotala sp.

Hygrophila pinnatifida

Selaginella

Trichomanes auriculatum Bl.

Ceratopteris thalictroides

Anubias sp.

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'

Eleocharis acicularis

Fish & Invertebrates

Hyphessobrycon amandae

AWARDS

World Ranking 0003 Silver Prize IAPLC 2019

Best of Show & 1st Place AGA 2019, Aquatic Garden 200~320L

Comments

I immediately thought it was from the IAPLC when I receive a notice from EMS. I was so happy. I went to the post office 60km far from me right away. At the moment I received the envelope in my hand, I felt the kindness from ADA. The report card was in a clear holder. ADA was considerate in every detail. When I nervously opened the report card, I found out that I was the third place. I was so delighted. I thought all my efforts were rewarded. I am full of gratitude for ADA for providing a stage where all the aquatic plant layout hobbyists can advance their skills. Once again, I would like to thank the judges and everyone

Comment of Mr. André Longarço (Brazil)

This imposing montage stands out because of the details and the notion of depth that the author presented. Although the empty space is located almost in the center of the layout, the two main elements that are inclined cut the frontal plane in a harmonic way and diminish this negative effect. The rock arrangements on both sides worked to eliminate the reflections and drew an observer's attention to the per- spective they formed. Lately, we have noticed the presence of many layouts that represents woods or forests, however in most of these works, the proportion of trunks is always wrong. In this brilliant assembly, this does not occur because the few driftwoods that are not covered by the vegetation have proportions and scales adequate to the layout. The angulation of the photograph privileges the reflec- tion of the surface of the water and accentuates the slope of the ramps created in the center of the assembly. However, I missed having more visual plans of the central part of the layout, where we certainly have a very detailed work, and in the front side, with a small beach area, or cosmetic sand. The correct choice of plants as well as their successful positioning has given a very natural atmosphere to the work. Perhaps the very perfect symmetry of red plants and small driftwoods around the emptiness could be worked out better since naturalness is the high point of the work. Although the layout mainly uses green plants, its highlight is the perfect use and location of shadows, very pleasant and dynamic. Photography was very well used as a tool for valuing work. The talent, meticulousness and dedication of the aquascaper, who certainly knows how to contemplate Nature, are undeniable. So, these are the reasons that this was my choice as the Grand Prize of this 2019 edition of IAPLC. Congratulations and thanks for the provided delight.

What a impressive work! So much dedication detailed and care with the minimum details. Everything is positioned to confer the desired natural atmosphere. The open space capture our attention like a hipnosys.
I would improved the foreground because it is too flat and aligned with the front glass. Another improve could be done in the thickness of the driftwood inside the "blank hole". But anyway this kind of a job take my breathe away. My sincere congratulations.

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