
Art Contest Winners
2nd
Science fiction
Artist Name:
Sofia Arfinengo del Carpio
Artist Statement:
"Science Fiction" is a digital drawing made with Procreate in the form of a comic strip. It uses the similar sounds of the words "Fusion", "Fission" and "Fiction" as a pun, that serves as a common thread for the strip flow. The first two words represent the two main categories of nuclear reactors, and the third one is used to represent a situation that currently happens with some environmental activists: they advocate for the closure of nuclear power plants, while also defending the need to lower carbon dioxide emissions. What they do not expect (or at least they didn't some years ago) is that the energy demand would be then compensated with fossil fuel power plants. Therefore, the statement "Net Zero does not need nuclear" can be considered fiction, at least within the present energy-production panorama. This drawing acknowledges that absurd situation, with a style inspired by the one of the vintage comics, with eye-catching colors and textures.
1st
Two Sides of the Same Spark
Artist Name:
Airi Takada
Artist Statement:
This manga/comic tackles issues in the Philippines, focusing on the challenges of energy use, particularly fossil fuels and nuclear energy. It compares the old jeepneys, which run on outdated and polluting engines, to modern jeepneys that are cleaner but more expensive. This mirrors the global debate between fossil fuels, which are cheap but harmful, and nuclear energy, which is cleaner but costly. The creative process behind this work combines real-life problems with ideas about energy solutions. I wanted to show how the Philippines, like many countries, faces a choice between cheap, harmful energy and more expensive but cleaner alternatives. By using familiar situations, I hope to spark conversation about how we can find a balance between affordability and protecting the environment.
3rd
Immense Energy for Immense Knowledge
Artist Name:
Umair Zia Malik
Artist Statement:
The map is inspired by a curious little sketch that a Baloch tribesman showed me during my travels to the south of Pakistan. There were three circles in it: an outer circle inscribing an inner circle, and in the space between them, there was a third curious round shape. I was told that the outer circle was the sky— like a solid shell around the inner circle that was planet Earth. And the third little circle was an oculus in the sky through which came immense light. This aperture was the sun. He said that the whole pursuit of the humanity was to propel itself through the sun; and enter that immense source of knowledge and light beyond the sky.
Borrowing from this ancient worldview, an attempt is made here to depict the technological journey of humanity. Starting with mammoth-hunting, we travelled along a serendipitous adventure of discoveries and innovations; and are now at the cusp of unlocking immense energy that would take us beyond the limits of the sky, and into a truly abundant source of knowledge and light. The map was first drawn on an A0-size paper and then treated digitally in Procreate and Topia.
1st
Two Sides of the Same Spark
Artist Name:
Airi Takada
Artist Statement:
This manga/comic tackles issues in the Philippines, focusing on the challenges of energy use, particularly fossil fuels and nuclear energy. It compares the old jeepneys, which run on outdated and polluting engines, to modern jeepneys that are cleaner but more expensive. This mirrors the global debate between fossil fuels, which are cheap but harmful, and nuclear energy, which is cleaner but costly. The creative process behind this work combines real-life problems with ideas about energy solutions. I wanted to show how the Philippines, like many countries, faces a choice between cheap, harmful energy and more expensive but cleaner alternatives. By using familiar situations, I hope to spark conversation about how we can find a balance between affordability and protecting the environment.
2nd
Science fiction
Artist Name:
Sofia Arfinengo del Carpio
Artist Statement:
"Science Fiction" is a digital drawing made with Procreate in the form of a comic strip. It uses the similar sounds of the words "Fusion", "Fission" and "Fiction" as a pun, that serves as a common thread for the strip flow. The first two words represent the two main categories of nuclear reactors, and the third one is used to represent a situation that currently happens with some environmental activists: they advocate for the closure of nuclear power plants, while also defending the need to lower carbon dioxide emissions. What they do not expect (or at least they didn't some years ago) is that the energy demand would be then compensated with fossil fuel power plants. Therefore, the statement "Net Zero does not need nuclear" can be considered fiction, at least within the present energy-production panorama. This drawing acknowledges that absurd situation, with a style inspired by the one of the vintage comics, with eye-catching colors and textures.
3rd
Immense Energy for Immense Knowledge
Artist Name:
Umair Zia Malik
Artist Statement:
The map is inspired by a curious little sketch that a Baloch tribesman showed me during my travels to the south of Pakistan. There were three circles in it: an outer circle inscribing an inner circle, and in the space between them, there was a third curious round shape. I was told that the outer circle was the sky— like a solid shell around the inner circle that was planet Earth. And the third little circle was an oculus in the sky through which came immense light. This aperture was the sun. He said that the whole pursuit of the humanity was to propel itself through the sun; and enter that immense source of knowledge and light beyond the sky.
Borrowing from this ancient worldview, an attempt is made here to depict the technological journey of humanity. Starting with mammoth-hunting, we travelled along a serendipitous adventure of discoveries and innovations; and are now at the cusp of unlocking immense energy that would take us beyond the limits of the sky, and into a truly abundant source of knowledge and light. The map was first drawn on an A0-size paper and then treated digitally in Procreate and Topia.
StarredSelection
Per Atomos Ad Astra
Artist Names:
Alina Ilyukhina, Anastasia Zhitnikova, Elena Aleksandrova, Ludmila
Artist Statement:
Our work is a tapestry of atomic wonder - where science meets imagination, and every thread reflects the powerful energy of the atom. From a plutonium-powered rover tracing paths on Mars to a nuclear icebreaker cleaving through Arctic frost, each piece tells a story of resilience, curiosity, and transformation. We craft these narratives not just to inform, but to enchant - to reveal how nuclear energy flows through our world: lighting frozen cities, recreating the Sun on Earth, decoding masterpieces, saving millions of lives, and whispering secrets from ancient pyramids and distant stars. Across the canvas, nearly 30 unique nuclear applications come to life - advancing medicine, agriculture, energy, space, water, climate science, and beyond. Our creative process is a kind of alchemy: we take complex science, filter it through play, symbolism, and design, and build layered scenes that invite reflection. Fusion dreams, isotope cures, floating powerhouses, atomic clocks - each detail is chosen with care to honor the beauty of nuclear potential. This body of work is our tribute to the profound power of atoms and the boundless possibilities they hold for a cleaner, safer, and more inspired future.
HALF LIFE WITH ASTRA AND ATLAS
Artist Names:
Jose Rodrigo B. & Angel Rose R. Puno & Bartolome
Artist Statement:
Our video aims to portray how Nuclear Energy is helping the world rather than harming it. Through countless times of misinterpretation on how Nuclear Energy is, we aim to debunk these myths and showcase that there are multiple things that the world has as of this moment because of Nuclear Science or Technology. In the video, we discussed about the history of Nuclear Science, its myths, and then debunked and showed the world about what is true with regards to such technology. We use a mixed-method approach by using Astra and Atlas (PUPPETS THAT WE MADE) for our video to become more engaging. In this world, we need to let the youth be aware of such things and what way can they be more engaged than through these kinds of artworks? On the other hand, we also incorporated culture from different countries for our video to be inclusive. For instance, we added clips from the Simpsons for it to be relatable. At the end of the day, we aim to show how Nuclear Science can bring a genuine change to the world and to the environment.
Peaceful Atom - The Future of the World
Artist Name:
Anatolii Melnyk
Artist Statement:
Dear Jury, My name is Anatolii, and I am pleased to present my illustration. It is not just an artwork but a reflection of my life, deeply connected to nuclear energy. I was born, raised, and work in Netishyn, a city built around Khmelnytskyi NPP. Since childhood, I have been passionate about drawing and have won multiple nuclear-themed competitions. Fourteen years ago, I created this illustration as a mural for the KhNPP Information Center, depicting a future city, power units, and white doves symbolizing peace. This artwork still welcomes visitors today. Now, I realize my youthful vision has become reality. This year, the President of Ukraine signed a law to complete Units 3 and 4 of KhNPP – exactly as shown in my illustration. Most importantly, the illustration portrays peaceful life: children playing, people returning from work. Sadly, peace is absent in my country today, but I believe it will return. My illustration will be prophetic not only in energy development but also in restoring peace. I work at Khmelnytskyi NPP and believe energy independence is the key to stability and peace not only in my country but worldwide. Thank you for your attention!
Commotion on Solution
Artist Name:
Marcus Joshua Cambi
Artist Statement:
Amidst a wave of fear, and heated debate, nuclear energy often finds itself at the center of controversy. But is its bad reputation truly deserved? In this edifying video, we break through the noise to uncover the real story behind nuclear power. From the basics of how it works to its potential as a clean, low-carbon energy source, and safe storage, we separate facts from fiction, and explore the science that could be the solution.
Atomic Rhythm
Artist Names:
Kuit Vui Ket Muhammad Irfan Bin Roslan, Josephine Lavung Kubik
Artist Statement:
Our music video, Atomic Rhythm, is a collaborative fusion of creativity, science, and storytelling, crafted by a passionate team of educator and students dedicated to reshaping perceptions of nuclear science and technology (NST). As a science teacher guiding two enthusiastic young nuclear advocates, our creative journey was marked by shared exploration and teamwork at every step—from writing lyrics and composing melodies, to developing storyboards and filming together. The narrative revolves around a young girl from a disadvantaged background whose heartfelt singing inspires scientists working on NST-driven zero-hunger research. This central story interconnects seamlessly with powerful parallel narratives: a scientist using advanced nuclear medicine to treat his father's lung cancer, and two siblings experiencing transformative improvements through NST-enhanced agriculture. Our team extensively researched NST and collaborated closely with nuclear experts, integrating initiatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure authenticity. Ultimately, Atomic Rhythm highlights nuclear technology's pivotal role in addressing global healthcare and hunger challenges, celebrating the empowering synergy of music, education, and nuclear innovation. Together, we aim to inspire optimism, unity, and positive action toward a sustainable and healthier world.
Why Did My Paintings Look so Gray?
Artist Name:
Donn Aeious Heinritz Plata
Artist Statement:
I advocate for a transition to clean energy, with nuclear power serving as a substitute for fossil fuels. Utilizing nuclear energy can significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel consumption, thereby lessening the negative impacts of climate change. I created this art and story for people of all ages. My goal is to share the positive aspects of nuclear energy and hopefully change some of the misconceptions and stigma surrounding it.
Atoms for Peace: Reissued for the Future
Artist Name:
Daniel Schönauer
Artist Statement:
This piece reimagines the historic Atoms for Peace postage stamp, originally issued in 1955 to promote U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s vision of nuclear cooperation. The phrase “Atoms for Peace” comes from his 1953 speech to the United Nations, where he proposed sharing nuclear knowledge for peaceful purposes. The original stamp featured atomic energy encircling two globes and a quote from that speech. In this modern interpretation, the design has been expanded into a series of nine stamps, each highlighting a current peaceful application of nuclear science—such as health, food, water, energy, and international cooperation. Every stamp corresponds to a UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and features a poetic border quote inspired by its theme. Together, they reflect how nuclear technology continues to evolve in service of people and the planet. With the shared phrase “Science Serving Humanity,” this collection challenges outdated perceptions of nuclear science and reframes it as a powerful tool for sustainability, progress, and peace.
An Unexpected Wildlife Haven
Artist Name:
Valeria Atiyasanta
Artist Statement:
This comic highlights the surprising relationship between nuclear energy and wildlife conservation. It tells the true story of how the Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant in Florida unintentionally created a thriving habitat for American crocodiles. By discharging warm, clean water into nearby canals, the plant stabilized water temperatures, turning the area into an ideal environment for crocodile nesting and survival. As a result, the once-endangered American crocodile population began to recover, leading to their status being downgraded to "threatened" in 2007. Through satire and expressive characters, the comic challenges common perceptions of nuclear power by showing its unexpected environmental benefits. Rather than focusing on fear and radiation, the story reframes the nuclear narrative with a hopeful twist—emphasizing its potential for ecological coexistence. My creative process involved blending scientific facts with humor and emotion to create an engaging yet educational piece. I aimed to spark curiosity and invite readers to rethink nuclear energy's role in the environment.
German Nuclear Restart - Think Small
Artist Name:
FranzJosef Strauß (Pseudonym)
Artist Statement:
Volkswagen’s newspaper ads in 1960s America were legendary - arguably one of the greatest advertising campaigns of all time. With humor, humility, and striking simplicity, the ads challenged readers to question conventional thinking. The original Volkswagen Beetle became a timeless success. Nuclear energy can do the same.

Fighting myths
Artist Name:
Arina Kostrova
Artist Statement:
My video is my author's reinterpretation of the cult game Mortal Kombat where the fight is not for survival, but for the truth. In the role of the main character, Nuclea — I portray myself as the embodiment of nuclear energy. My opponent is Chernoborg, a two-headed wolf, a composite image of fears, disinformation and myths related to nuclear energy. Every battle is a clash of fact and myth ending with its exposure. I chose this video format to turn scientific facts into a vivid and memorable tool against myths and to show that the truth can be strong, modern and convincing. This video is not just a parody but a visual battle for knowledge where nuclear energy finally speaks with its own voice. Because nuclear energy is not the enemy. The enemy is ignorance. And it must be fought.
HonorableMention
The Stone's Soul
Artist Name:
Eva Byrne
Artist Statement:
As much as I love the atomic age, with its iconic aesthetics and fascinating history, I find that people often relegate nuclear energy to that specific historical moment - characterizing it as either outdated or too futuristic and powerful for humans to control. This piece gives nuclear some space to step out of that framing. What if the alchemists who believed that stones really did have souls, and that there existed a philosopher’s stone that could transmute metals into gold, were right? Could the “stone’s soul” be the atomic number, which gives elements the specific properties that they have? That would make nuclear fission, which transmutes this “soul”, producing large amounts of valuable energy in the process, the philosopher’s stone. This analogy is also a metaphor for something larger: nuclear’s role in a drama that stretches back through millennia, the story of unlocking human potential through scientific progress. While I used Canva, CapCut and LifeLapse to create and edit the stop motion videos and to add text and transitions, all elements you see on the screen were created via analog means using items found around my house - including all plant matter, which is real and came from my garden!
Operation Yellow Cake - comic book
Artist Name:
Lukasz Koszuk
Artist Statement:
Operation Yellow Cake is a science adventure comic that brings nuclear energy closer to young audiences through mystery, humor, and exploration. The story follows a group of curious teenagers who discover a strange metal object near a nuclear power plant. Suspecting it might be uranium, they set off on a detective-style investigation—searching through books, visiting the local nuclear information center, and consulting with the fictional Professor Proton. Along the way, they learn how nuclear fuel is made, how a power plant operates, what radiation is, and how radioactive waste is managed. The comic was sponsored by Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe sp. z o.o., the company building the first nuclear power plant in Poland. The script and scientific content were developed by Łukasz Koszuk with expertise in nuclear energy, who also served as the scientific consultant throughout the project. The illustrations were brought to life by a professional team of artists, who transformed the educational themes into a visually engaging and accessible narrative. Operation Yellow Cake aims to inspire curiosity, counter misinformation, and spark a positive dialogue about the role of nuclear energy in our shared future.
Ph.D in Nuclear Engineering
Artist Name:
Martina Casciello
Artist Statement:
Are We Really Scared of Bananas? What’s more powerful than fear? Colors. With this piece, I wanted to flip the narrative, because when it comes to nuclear energy, perception often overshadows reality. On the left, we see the classic fear: smoke, pollution, and the shadow of outdated ideas. On the right, we shift into color, energy, innovation; where fission isn’t frightening, fusion is the future, and yes, even bananas have radiation (but no one’s scared of those!). My goal was to create something bold, playful, and unexpected. Nuclear power isn't the villain, it's part of the solution. By blending symbols of modern nuclear technology - like a fission power plant and a fusion reactor (a tokamak, which harnesses the power of the stars) - with familiar renewables like wind and solar, I wanted to show that our energy future isn't about choosing sides, but about embracing all clean solutions. And the best way to change minds? Surprise them, with color, with style, and with a wink.
Positive Shift
Artist Name:
Jenny Jasmin Lacay
Artist Statement:
When we hear the term nuclear, danger usually comes to mind. Over the years, we have negative connotations. We have a nuclear power plant in the Philippines that was never used due to fear of a disaster like Chernobyl. Most people dwell on rare disasters rather than the promising future and advantages nuclear energy can provide. My artwork takes inspiration from Michelangelo's The Creation of Adam, representing the divine spark of life and light. Now, nuclear energy can be viewed as that spark—sustaining and enhancing life. Yet, society remains fixated on its negative connotations. I applied a negative photo style, as an X-ray photograph, to symbolize one major advantage of nuclear technology in medicine. The "negative" artwork becomes positive and brighter using an inverter app or camera tool, just like our perspective on nuclear energy may change for the better with more knowledge, representing the illumination we must have toward accepting nuclear energy. The artwork was made using Photoshop and an inverse app to reverse a photo reference into a negative. I then painted it in acrylic on canvas.
The Heart of an Atom
Artist Name:
Andrea Luzi
Artist Statement:
Humans, driven by that spark that compels us to explore and understand the world around us have been able to split the atom, and uncover its secrets. It is in the heart of the atom where lies immense power and energy that cannot be hidden; from the Earth's core to the stars above, this energy is harnessed by all. In this painting, I sought to offer a closer look, not only from a technical perspective but also an aesthetic one, at the beauty of the atom's heart and human ingenuity in mastering and playing with it. It is here that nuclear reactors emerge; Among the labyrinth of tangled pipes, mechanical components, and thousands of buttons with screens reminiscent of arcade machines, lies the atomic heart, encased in a shell. Within this core, an elegant dance of fission unfolds, crowned by the luminous Cherenkov effect. In a world transformed by the winds of change and the unending flow of time’s rivers, the atomic heart beats strongly. Nuclear energy rises as a promise of progress and hope that lives in harmony with nature and illuminates the path toward a future where clean and sublime power reigns as a guide for future generations.
One Nuclear Family
Artist Name:
Audrey Nguyen
Artist Statement:
Nuclear power remains the strongest energy alternative to fossil fuels, yet not without a past that many consider with apprehension. Although education on the reliability of nuclear technologies is important, we must first dismantle the biases against them. I thought to make a more abstract, information-prioritized artwork at first, but I decided to go with a theme that would resonate most with a general audience. Most want to imagine a safe future for their families, yet the idea of nuclear power being a part of that may seem too far-fetched for those unaware of the potential of nuclear power. Referenced off of the Dampierre power plant residing in the countryside of France- the plant provides power to many without the air pollution and occupation of vast amounts of land that are inseparable from other forms of harvesting energy. Painted with oil, “One Nuclear Family” normalizes the role of nuclear power in an average citizen’s life. As a kid, riding a bike might feel scary for the first time, but once you get going, you realize it’s not so bad. Hopefully, those who need to be convinced can later say the same about nuclear energy!
Prometheus shows us the path to the stars
Artist Name:
Michael Ricciardi
Artist Statement:
A reinterpretation of the Prometheus myth (the second of two on this theme); nuclear energy/power as a means to humanity's future in space (Our future in space will depend, in some form, on nuclear power). Prometheus holds a torch (original depicting fire; here, depicting nuclear energy) with a pensive look and a gesture (suggesting perhaps that humans consider this newer 'fire' technology. This a digital photo-composite consisting of 4 separate layers. The Prometheus figure was digitally extracted from the 'neo-classical' painting 'Prometheus brings fire to mankind' (by Heinrich Fueger, 1817; public domain). The 'stars and nebula' background ('baby stars in the Orion Nebula') was captured by the JWST (NASA image, public domain); the '235 Uranium atom with orbiting electrons' is a composite of 2 copyright free images (both digitally altered: color, temperature, sharpness, contrast, etc.). I used the Pixlr photo-editor platform to construct the image. Although Pixlr now offers a suite of AI tools, none were used to construct this image (only 'conventional digital tools).
Deep Thought
Artist Name:
Bridie Wolejko
Artist Statement:
The meaning behind Deep Thought is simple, yet effective. A man mutated by illegally dumped toxic waste considers the real-life benefits nuclear energy can have on our environment. Most of us are familiar with the old stereotypes in comic books and science fiction movies of villains being transformed into mutated monsters by toxic waste. Deep Thought satires these old tropes in addition to turning our protagonist's (The Toxic Swamp Vigilante) view of nuclear power on its head. If the creature you see before you, can break free of the 4th wall he lives in to recognize nuclear power as a viable, safe, and environmentally sound energy option in the year 2025, anyone can! His peaceful vision is a throw-back to my 2024 winning submission to the Eco-Nuclear Solutions Atomic Artistry contest of two cooling towers hand-collaged with images from nature including the very plants and animals that nuclear energy can mitigate from extinction. My artwork is a combination of painting and collage using a variety of mediums like acrylic paint, ink, pastel, and vintage paper images pieced together as a form of visual storytelling.
Glow2Green: Changing the Narrative of Nuclear Energy from 2D to 3D
Artist Name:
Theodore Martin Baluis
Artist Statement:
"Glow-2-Green: Changing the Narrative of Nuclear Energy from 2D to 3D": Glow-to-Green represents a shift in the way we perceive and communicate about nuclear energy. By moving from a 2-dimensional representation, often characterized by stereotypes and flat images, to a 3-dimensional approach, we can present a more realistic and in-depth depiction of nuclear energy. This transitions cartoons to actuality and aims to elaborate a more authentic and informative perspective on the subject. Being part of the youth who grew up watching cartoons, I drew this poster to eradicate misinformation. Starring the main focus of the drawing, which is 'Homer Simpsons.' — When I was a child, I, myself also believed the green goop and substances from nuclear energy. It had been a common misinterpretation for young audiences like me. But when I realized it was not that way, I was perplexed from how different it was due to it being a pop culture influence. Having only the intent of creating a comedic, yet fictitious depiction of Nuclear Energy. — My drawing wants to show how cartoons should be more realistic and accurate to depict Nuclear organization's actual workforce and their instruments to improve the environment, not only to show but educate audiences.
Colors Of An Atom
Artist Name:
Sana Jamal
Artist Statement:
"Colors Of An Atom” is an original art piece that celebrates the versatility of nuclear technology in everyday life — from clean energy and cancer treatment to food preservation , agriculture, industry, and environmental protection. Often overshadowed by stereotypes of danger and destruction, nuclear science quietly improves millions of lives in powerful, positive ways. Just as pop art uses colors to evoke emotions and challenge conventional ideas, I intend to break misconceptions by illustrating how the power of an atom brings color and innovation to the world. By blending familiar symbols of food, medicine, power, and nature with lively hues, this art piece aims to transform the narrative — from fear to fascination, from risk to responsibility. "Colors Of An Atom” reflects my heartfelt belief that nuclear energy isn’t just powerful — it’s beautifully diverse, essential, and human-centered.
Great Power, Great Impact, Great Responsibility
Artist Name:
Citra Manggala Putri
Artist Statement:
There are considerable reasons why we tend to reject nuclear energy, which make sense if we look back at history. So in order to be able to built such infrastructure of which people would support, one must think about the degree of impact the plant would create: as it would generate great power with great risk, ideally it should give back to the planet equally to the same degree as well. This could be in a form of support for the sustainable development for the city, growing and maintaining a lot of green area, or anything that would restore the balance of the ecosystem. Best case scenario is, as the nuclear plant is giving a visible green impact too (along with the energy generation with minimized amount of waste), people would gain the trust again. On symbolism of the art itself: The lightnings coming out from the "big atom" are signifying energy generation by the nuclear plant. But they also symbolize branches which resulting to the growth of the greens. So the general meaning: the big amount of energy generated is (should be) equal with the big green impact too.
Flipping the Fallout Script
Artist Name:
Yohane Samuel Perez
Artist Statement:
My artwork, Flipping the Fallout Script, encourages viewers to rethink the negative portrayals of nuclear energy and recognize its benefits. As an 11th-grade science scholar, artist, and aspiring physicist, I’m not immune to seeing the word “nuclear” being met with fear and misinformation, especially in popular (pop) culture. Through this piece, I aim to creatively address these misconceptions. At the center of the artwork is a wooden trophy shaped like cooling towers, with flora growing from them—symbolizing how eco-friendly nuclear energy is with its low carbon footprint. Two figures—an adult and a youth—carve away harmful stereotypes such as "deadly" and "three-eyed fish transmutations," showing how both generations can rewrite the pop culture nuclear narrative together. The artwork contrasts two worlds: one polluted, cracking under the weight of misinformation and fossil fuel damage, and one bright, hopeful side illustrating the real promise of nuclear power. Facts supporting nuclear’s role in a sustainable future are embedded throughout. My artwork aims to depict a scene of people breaking free from the stigma and fear of nuclear energy—moving on to the future it promises and hopes to champion (hence the trophy), a flipping of the fallout script of some sort.
A Future Manifested
Artist Name:
Caspian Edgeton
Artist Statement:
A few years ago I submitted a piece called "Manifesting Greatness" for Generation Atomic's 2022 Atomic Art Contest. In the piece, I am holding an atom, a symbol for nuclear energy. For my submission this year, I have painted my baby reaching towards the same atom. As a new parent, it's easy to be overwhelmed about what kind of future I am handing to my child. There has been a lot of propaganda created to deter parents against nuclear energy by preying on their desire to keep their children safe. In this piece, I aim to reframe the narrative and highlight how nuclear energy safeguards our children by offering them the opportunity for a healthier planet and a brighter future. I hope to pass along a future where fossil fuels are no longer the norm but a relic of the past. He is the manifestation of my own dreams, and together we can collectively manifest a greater future for all children.
Nuclear Pop! Redefining Nuclear Energy in Popular Culture
Selected works will be showcased at the IAEA's International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes in Vienna (May 26-30, 2025), putting your art at the center of a global conversation about nuclear energy's future.
Let nuclear be the hero of the story, as it is in real life! Your creative work can showcase nuclear's impact through any visual medium - digital art, animation, comics, video, or beyond.
Concepts & Inspiration
From "D'oh!" to "Whoa!"
- Transform bumbling plant workers into the skilled professionals they really are
- Show the diverse faces and expertise behind nuclear innovation
From Mutant Fish to Thriving Ecosystems
- Flip the script on environmental impact narratives
- Reveal how nuclear energy protects rather than harms our planet
From Meltdown to Marvel
- Challenge disaster-focused storytelling
- Reveal how nuclear saved millions by replacing coal
From Toxic Green to Clean Energy Blue
- Reimagine the visual language of nuclear energy
- Show the true face of the power that could save our climate
Explore these or similar concepts through your own unique creative vision and ideas. Your submission can directly challenge stereotypes, create new positive narratives, or highlight real-world applications that are often overlooked in popular media. All forms of creative expression are welcome as we work to transform the image of nuclear energy and showcase its true power and potential.
Eligibility
- The contest is open to people of all ages and skill levels.
- Participants must be from an IAEA Member State.
- Participants may submit multiple entries. Only one prize eligible per participant.
Awards & Prizes
- First Place: $3,000
- Second Place: $2,000
- Third Place: $1,000
- Ten (10) Finalist Gift Cards: $100 each to the Generation Atomic store
Additional Benefits:
- Potential feature in a magazine/blog
- Selected work will be exhibited at the IAEA International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes
- One finalist will be invited to attend the IAEA International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes (travel expenses covered)
- Selected work will be showcased on the IAEA and Generation Atomic websites
Submission Requirements
Acceptable Formats
- Digital Art
- Illustrations
- Comic Books
- Paintings
- Other Visual Media
Technical Specifications
- Static Visual Work: JPEG, PNG, or PDF (max 25MB)
- Video/Animation: MP4 or MOV (max 5 minutes, 500MB)
- Interactive/Web: Provide accessible link and documentation
- Physical Artwork: High-quality documentation through photos/video
- All visual documentation must be well-lit and clear
All required materials are listed in the submission form
Special Considerations
AI Usage Guidelines
- AI tools may be used to assist in the creative process but cannot be the sole creator. Works that are 100% AI-generated will not be accepted.
- All AI assistance must be explicitly disclosed in the artist statement.
- This disclosure should include which elements were created with AI assistance, which AI tools were used, and how AI was incorporated.
- Failure to disclose AI usage will result in disqualification.
Fan Art
- We welcome creative interpretations of existing works that “transmute” the source material.
- You may put a nuclear science spin on familiar characters or stories, challenge common tropes, or create new stories inspired by nuclear-themed media.
- Please note your inspirations in your artist statement and ensure your work adds new creative elements.
Judging Criteria
Panel Composition
- Six judges representing diverse geographic regions
- Expertise in art, communications, and sciences
Evaluation Rubric
Criterion | Weight | Description |
---|---|---|
Narrative & Creative Impact | 40% | How effectively does the work challenge stereotypes and tell a compelling story? |
Artistic Merit | 35% | Quality of execution, technical skill, and innovative approach |
Scientific Relevance | 25% | Connection to real-world nuclear applications and benefits |
Our Judges






Intellectual Property Rights
- Artists retain IP rights
- Competition administrators and the IAEA may reproduce/display artwork with credit
- Artist name will always accompany artwork usage
- Signed agreement required upon submission
Submission Process
Submit all materials using this link.
All entries will be compiled and reviewed after the submission deadline on April 14th, 23:59PM CDT.
For additional information or questions, contact: gayatri@generationatomic.org