The second Silver Prize went to the work, which depicts a canyon through a dynamic composition.
The composition, which is made up of a detailed combination of materials, is linear and extremely deformed, but the result is a powerful aquascape. The large compositional materials tend to create a sense of oppression, but in this work, the sharp V-shaped incision at the top and the space placed in the right front effectively avoid the feeling of oppression. In addition, the planting of aquatic plants is rather modest to take advantage of the composition, but the natural feeling expressed by the combination of various types of aquatic plants gives a favorable impression.
Bronze Prize (World Ranking No. 5) Mr. Trung Phan (Vietnam) New chapter/新章 W120XD65XH50(cm) t The fifth place in the world ranking (Bronze Prize) was a work called "New chapter" by Mr. Trung Phan from Vietnam, which scored total 1,235 points. This work was selected individually as one of the top 10 works by 5 out of 10 judges, and Mr. Shogo Yamaguchi (Japan) selected it as his Best Aquarium. Comments from Mr. Shogo Yamaguchi (Japan) I think the layout is dignified without being eccentric. It is orthodox, yet has an appeal that draws you in. The skeletal IWAGUMI does not make an extreme statement, giving the impression of the work that is different from those that are based on finished drawings. What is symbolic is the large cave visible in the IWAGUMI on the right side, which appears to be the result of a trial-and-error process to bring out the best of the materials at hand. The rough IWAGUMI is softened by the gentle texture of the mosses. Although the layout with many mosses tends to be dark, the back screen and white cosmetic sand make it a bright landscape. These contradictory elements are in per- fect harmony with each other, and seem to enhance the perfection of the work. What came to mind when I saw this work was Mr. Amano's earlier collections of works, "Glass no Naka no Daishizen" and "Mizu - Shizen eno Kaiki". One can only imagine what the creator had in mind for "New chapter", but perhaps it is a message from the creator that he has gone back to his roots and found the future of layout there
“Diligence” and “Inquisitiveness”, and “Positive Thinking” is the secret to achieving good results
Q: Please tell us your thoughts on receiving the award?
A: Thank you to ADA and the judges for your high regard for my work. I am very honored to have received the silver prize. I was really surprised when I heard from my friend Mr. Yi Ye that I was awarded the silver prize. At the same time, I was also happy to hear that my friend had achieved 8th place. This year my aquascape creation was affected by Covid-19 and my work schedule, and I was not able to perfect my aquascape as I had envisioned. However, I feel as if I should praise myself for overcoming various difficulties, completing the work and successfully participating in the contest. I believe that it was my love for ADA and my love for planted aquariums that sustained me. Once again, I would like to thank ADA and the judges. Finally, I hope that the pandemic will end soon. I hope you all achieve good results next year and I hope to see you in Nii-gata.
Q: Please tell us about the theme, motif, idea, etc. of this work.
A: This year’s work is called “Old Valley”. It represents a scene of water gently flowing in a large valley. The composition combines several triangular structures to represent the banks of a wide and powerful valley. In addition, a large amount of Hydrocotyle sp. were used to create the effect as if the cliffs were covered with vines. In addition, aquatic plants resembling wisteria were placed at the top of the valley to make the overall image wilder and more natural.
Visualizing the image in my mind by sketching.
Q: Please tell us about difficulties you encountered in creating and maintaining the work.
A: The structure of this work is made of driftwood, known as “shrimp wood” in China. The characteristics of this driftwood give the work a powerful impression of cliffs in the valley-like layout, but on the other hand, because of the large amount of wood used, the water in the aquarium suffered from yellowing in the early stages. To solve this problem, I had to change about half of the water in the aquarium every day for about two months.
Q: Please tell us the key points in selecting aquatic plant and fish species.
A: For the selection of aquatic plants, I chose aquatic plants that were consistent with the theme and closer to a natural landscape. For example, I chose Hydrocotyle sp. to recreate a scene where the cliffs are covered with vine plants. For fish, I selected small Hemigrammus bleheri to balance the layout and create a spectacular space. The overall impression of this work is dark, so I chose white Hemigrammus bleheri to emphasize the school of fish swimming together, and I tried to create as much color contrast as possible to create an eye-catching effect for the viewer.
Q: What is it about planted aquariums that appeal to you?
A: I think the greatest appeal of planted aquariums is to take your favorite natural scenery and recreate it in your aquarium.
Q: Do you have any tips on how to win a prize in the contest?
A: There are three secrets, in my opinion. The first is “Diligence”, not skimping on the maintenance of your aquascape and making people happy with a beautiful aquascape. Second, “Inquisitiveness” to keep learning. Learn from your seniors and constantly explore the composition of the layout, placement of aquatic plants, and ingenuity. Finally, with “Positive Thinking”, enjoy life and love nature. I think those three points are the secret to winning a prize.
Q: Please tell us which ADA products you recommend and why.
A: Solar RGB. It keeps the aquatic plants in good condition. I also use Pro-Scissors because it is convenient and practical.
Q: What do you think about the IAPLC?
A: I think IAPLC is the Olympics of the planted aquarium industry. Thanks to ADA for creating it. Through the contest, planted aquarium enthusiasts were able to compete together, learn together, and grow together. Every year, we learn something new from the entries, but let’s further develop the IAPLC by incorporating innovation into our creations.
Author Fuhong Guan / People’s Republic of China
