Question of the Day Should we have strict aquascaping styles?

[Art]

Aquascaping, as a visual art form, has continued to develop. Like most art, people have a tendency to try to classify it into styles or categories to try and establish some rules on which to judge it. For example, aquascape A is a well-executed, technical representation of the Dutch-style or aquascape B is using traditional nature aquarium style techniques.

My question: Is compartmentalizing aquascaping into these artificial categories good?

The formal Dutch style was developed in the 1930s and has rigidly stuck to its rules ever since. It is so strict that judging is done face to face in the Netherlands as that is the best way to see the following of some of the rules. Of course, this has limited its spread with the AGA's contest doing the most to spread it around the world.

Is it good to have such strictly defined rules? Notice some of the comments on the latest AGA contest where the judge states something along the lines of "nice Dutch style that is lacking in its execution." I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Should we not try to judge based on more abstract and subjective things like, "how does this aquascape make me feel?" or "I love how dynamic this aquascape is!"?

Of course, my personal feeling is that a planted aquarium aquascape should have at least 50% of its visual representation in the form of live plants. Don't get me started on dioramas... but that's just MY personal opinion.

 

[GreggZ]

Aquascaping, as a visual art form, has continued to develop. Like most art, people have a tendency to try to classify it into styles or categories to try and establish some rules on which to judge it. For example, aquascape A is a well-executed, technical representation of the Dutch-style or aquascape B is using traditional nature aquarium style techniques.

My question: Is compartmentalizing aquascaping into these artificial categories good?

The formal Dutch style was developed in the 1930s and has rigidly stuck to its rules ever since. It is so strict that judging is done face to face in the Netherlands as that is the best way to see the following of some of the rules. Of course, this has limited its spread with the AGA's contest doing the most to spread it around the world.

Is it good to have such strictly defined rules? Notice some of the comments on the latest AGA contest where the judge states something along the lines of "nice Dutch style that is lacking in its execution." I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Should we not try to judge based on more abstract and subjective things like, "how does this aquascape make me feel?" or "I love how dynamic this aquascape is!"?

Of course, my personal feeling is that a planted aquarium aquascape should have at least 50% of its visual representation in the form of live plants. Don't get me started on dioramas... but that's just MY personal opinion.

LOL Art this is a topic a large group of folks that I know in the hobby debate quite often. It's the reason many of the best plant growers in the world never enter contests. They have their own style that is many times instantly recognizable. Think Barr, Wong, Sterian, etc.

It's funny many people refer to me as a Dutch scaper. The thing is my tank as it normally is presented would likely be DQ'd in the Dutch category. I personally would like to see something more of a "Dutch" inspired or a plant centric category that was more of a free-for-all.

So I tend to agree with you, as do many others that I know. Many of the defined styles are too rigid, and the tanks that really draw my attention wouldn't fit neatly into any of the currently defined categories.

But all that being said I am seriously thinking of entering the Dutch category next year......but too bad that means toning my tank way down and removing most of the color.

 

[Art]

Well, Gregg. I hope you don’t change up your tank just for the contest. Maybe have a contest tank? Excuse to set up a second one.

It’s a tough question when you think about it. It’s a contest after all and, to be fair, there must be rules that one can judge against. Something must be used to judge one aquarium over another. I think the revised IAPLC rules try to represent a balance between rules and creativity.

The IAPLC was created to showcase and bring together planted aquarium hobbyists from around the world. I think Amani’s concept was to showcase what has come to be known as nature aquarium style. An idealized impression of nature featuring aquatic plants.

The contest morphed away from this over the years with much less focus on aquatic plants. I wonder what Amano would think about that?

I guess we all have our own opinions based on how we view the hobby. I’ve heard some top aquascapers commenting that the best plant growers don’t have the artistic talent to compete at a high level. Then some great growers that think aquascapers can’t grow plants.

What are you going to do?

 

[GreggZ]

I’ve heard some top aquascapers commenting that the best plant growers don’t have the artistic talent to compete at a high level. Then some great growers that think aquascapers can’t grow plants.

LOL they are likely both right!!!

The two have really separted into very distinct groups over the years. For me I can appreaciate their works of art, but have little desire to attempt to create one. I am sure they would say the same about a flowery underwater garden.

They only thing they have in common anymore is that they are both underwater!

 

[Art]

They only thing they have in common anymore is that they are both underwater!

OMG this is so true!

I guess I'm in a good position as I'm not great at either!

 

[BagOcroW]

LOL Art this is a topic a large group of folks that I know in the hobby debate quite often. It's the reason many of the best plant growers in the world never enter contests. They have their own style that is many times instantly recognizable. Think Barr, Wong, Sterian, etc.

It's funny many people refer to me as a Dutch scaper. The thing is my tank as it normally is presented would likely be DQ'd in the Dutch category. I personally would like to see something more of a "Dutch" inspired or a plant centric category that was more of a free-for-all.

So I tend to agree with you, as do many others that I know. Many of the defined styles are too rigid, and the tanks that really draw my attention wouldn't fit neatly into any of the currently defined categories.

But all that being said I am seriously thinking of entering the Dutch category next year......but too bad that means toning my tank way down and removing most of the color.

I'm with you on this Gregg. None of my tanks were ever actually dutch style though people repeatedly called it dutch. I preferred to call it dutch jungle or dutchish or just a garden tank. I think the styles are valuable in that they give you a starting point to work from but I don't myself like the strict guidelines. I prefer a bit more natural looking dutchish style with blurred boundaries and lacking symetry.