Contest winners - The longer you look...

… the more you see!
(Link: fav.me/dbbcbti)

First and foremost I want to thank everyone who participated in, and/or contributed to this contest. Thanks to you, the first contest in Unusual-Manips has been a success!  

We have received a total of 13 entries. This means a #1 and #2 winner were be picked.
The goal of 15 entries for a #3 winner was not met.

Congratulations to Black-B-o-x and Renata-s-art!



#1 Winner

Black-B-o-x



1st Place winner will receive 500 , of which 200 from Gejda
Exclusive stock from tsahel
Exclusive Runic Love Charm Brushes (fav.me/d9y13ul) + feature from EligoDesign

Bureaucracy Nightmare



Bureaucracy Nightmare was the first entry in this contest. From the moment it was submitted we could already tell it would be hard to surpass. By the end of the contest it was the unanimous pick of both judges for place 1. It presented exactly what the contest asked; an artwork with lots of elements of surprise. It's insanely creative and original. The puffer-fish people are unlike anything done before; unusual to say the least. The strange perspective reminds of Escher's drawings. Are we indoors or outdoors? What's the floor and what is the ceiling?

Even though it includes a lot of different elements, nothing seems out of place which is not an easy thing to achieve. We could mention all the elements but would prefer to encourage anyone to have a thorough look themselves. Personally I am still trying to figure out what it is we see through the top left window. Also I was very surprised to notice that one of the puffer-fish persons seems to be sitting on water in a fountain.

The title reveals that this artwork criticizes bureaucracy. The use of signs and words in this artwork is very clever. "Rule No. 1 : Don't tell anybody about the rules!" It's great when art has a message and especially when it is a courageous or controversial idea. Bureaucracy Nightmare is a most surreal and unusual artwork, which yet speaks perfect sense.



#2 Winner

Renata-s-art



Behind the Appearances



2nd Place winner will receive 250 , of which 100 from Gejda
Exclusive stock from tsahel
Exclusive Runic Love Charm Brushes (fav.me/d9y13ul) + feature from EligoDesign

At first glance we didn't consider Behind the Appearances to win in this contest. You don't need to look long to discover all the visual elements in the artwork. However, it was only after taking a closer look that we realized there is a different dimension to this artwork. The artist didn't seem to have taken the contests theme literally, and instead took "Taking a closer look." as a more symbolic statement.

To look behind ones appearance and having a close look inside someone's mind. To judge by what lies within instead of the outside. Or rather someone wearing a mask to hide the dark thoughts which truly go on in their mind. According to us, the judges, a most surprising interpretation of the contests' theme which deserves to be rewarded with a second place.



Special mentions
For the runners up

Broken heart
SoulcolorsArt



"I love the dollhouse theme mixed with nature. This artwork is like the game Finding Wally. All their easter eggs were blended perfectly so it's harder to find. I also love the focal point of the image and the easter eggs hidden in its surroundings." - brillgk

"What I like about it is the contrast between the seemingly idyllic, almost Disney-like surroundings with animals, and fun game of finding all the hidden things as opposed to the sad story which this artwork is really about." - DinowCookie


What?
KarmaRae



"I like their artwork because of the underwater fireplace. This took a while for me to notice, as well as the fishes' eyes. Strange!" - DinowCookie


Elements
Von-B



"I am in awe with the concept in this one. I love the grunge and the colors in this image. I also love the concept of Yin Yang, water/fire in this image, incorporated with the upside down elements that adds some hidden meaning to it." - brillgk

Thanks to all participants


Also thanks to all contributors


Please keep an eye out for the next contest, which will be announced soon!