Tweet
Post
Pin
Over 1,500 young artists used their imaginations to turn scientific descriptions of some of Australia’s fantastical and elusive sharks and rays into fantastical artworks.
Ken Done and Leah Djikic. Photograph: Aravind Shanavaz
The top 10 were selected by Australia’s most iconic artists and used as inspiration for their own masterpieces.
Ken selected 11-year-old Leah Djikic’s depiction of Southern and Eastern fiddler rays.
The works of these remarkable young artists are on display side-by-side with the works created by 10 renowned Australian artists at the Australian Museum. The exhibition runs from 7 September - 8 December, 2024 so catch it if you can!
"This is a unique project and one that I am immensely looking forward to participating in. If it helps to protect some of the world’s endangered species, that would be a great achievement for us all."
Ken Done
Winner – southern/eastern fiddler ray by Leah Djikic, 11, Goulburn, NSW
"I chose the fiddler ray as it had a really great description that took my imagination to create my fun picture. I used pre-painted watercolour strips as the seaweed to create texture to the painting while the rays are swimming to hide down there."
Leah Djikic
The mermaid and the Eastern fiddler ray, 2024
"I love the shape and colours of fiddler rays and I am always fascinated by the myriad designs of tiny sharks and rays. I swim every day in front of my house and it is a joy whenever I come across some baby sharks. I’m endlessly intrigued by the underwater world and happy to do whatever I can to raise awareness of the magnificent creatures that live there.
Ken Done
