However, these building projects are on another level of huge, and with all the megacities popping up throughout the country, China boasts many of the biggest infrastructure projects in the world. Here’s the Steel Wire’s look at some of the most impressive to date.

Three Gorges Dam

China is home to the largest dam in the world, measuring 1.5 miles in length and sitting 60 (!) stories tall. The Three Gorges Dam took 1.92 million tons of rolled steel to complete, along with 10.82 million tons of cement and 1.6 million cubic meters of timber. The dam opened in 2003 on the Yangtze River and last year, generated a record-high 97.8 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, 4.35 percent higher than the previous year.

The Three Gorges Dam is the biggest dam in the world and is made up of 1.92 million tons of steel. (Source: Wikipedia)

Beijing Capital International Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) was the second largest and busiest airport in the world in 2016, just behind the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the U.S. PEK recorded 94,393,454 passengers that flew in and out in 2016, a 5 percent increase from 2015, and is easily the biggest airport in all of Asia.

Beijing Capital International Airport is the biggest airport in Asia, and second in the world. (Source: Top China Travel)

The first phase of the airport cost USD 3.5 billion and was completed in 2008, but in order to handle the growing number of passengers, an expansion project is planned for 2025. The estimated 5-year project will almost double PEK’s capacity and cost an additional USD 13 billion.   

Jiaozhou Bay Bridge

China is also home to the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world. The massive structure stretches over 26.4 miles and connects the cities of Qingdao and Huangdao. The 110ft width accommodates 6 traffic lanes that are supported by 5200 steel pillars.

The Jiaozhou Bay Bridge is held up by 5200 steel pillars. (Source: Feel the Planet)

The bridge first opened in 2011 and took USD 2.3 billion and over 10,000 workers to build. The Jiaozhou Bay Bridge also took 450,000 tons of steel to complete, allowing the bridge to be able to withstand earthquakes up to 8.0 in magnitude, typhoons and the force from a 300,000-ton object.  

Jiuquan Wind Power Base

Not surprisingly, the largest wind farm in the world located in China. Jiuquan Wind Power Base is made up of 7,000 turbines that generate enough electricity to sustain a small country. The plant was approved in 2008, and the government has pledged an additional USD 17.4 billion by 2020 as part of the effort to develop China’s renewable energy industry. For now, only 3.3 percent of all the electricity generated in China comes from wind turbines. With the additional investment, Jiuquan Wind Power Base will be able to generate a massive 20 gigawatts of sustainable electricity.

The Jiuquan Wind Power Base generates enough energy to power a small nation. (Source: The New York Times)

New Century Global Center

What does the biggest building in the world look like? A mini country. Located in Chengdu, Sichuan province, the New Century Global Center combines a shopping mall, water park, hotels, movie theaters, offices, restaurants, ice rink and more into 19 million sq.ft. of space. The structure is made of glass and steel and measures 500 meters long, 400 meters wide and 100 meters high. Designed by architect Zaha Hadid, it even has artificial sun for the perfect weather, 24 hours a day.

The New Century Global Center located in Chengdu is the largest city in the world. (Source: Thousand Wonders)

Port of Shanghai

The world’s biggest ports are mostly located in China, and the biggest one is the Port of Shanghai. In 2012, 744 million tonnes of cargo and 32.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of steel containers passed through the port. The entire area of the port on the Yangtze River covers 3,619km² comprised of 3 main ports: Wusongkou, Waigaoqiao and Yangshan Deep-Water Port. About 25 percent of China’s trade passes through the Port of Shanghai, or 2,000 steel container ships per month.

The Port of Shanghai is the largest port in the world and a quarter of China’s trade passes through it. (Source: Thomson Reuters)

Most recently, the 4th phase of the Yangshan Deep-Water Port was completed, making it the largest automated port in the world. It spans across 2.23 million square meters, and can automatically handle 4 million standard containers per year, or 25 per hour. It was also built to accommodate the heaviest ships in the world.

China is using its steel to build up the country’s infrastructure, and set world records along the way. Besides being impressive in size, the structures are expected to contribute to greater connectivity and economic prosperity throughout China.

Cover photo courtesy of Morgan Stanley.

POSCO-India (under the direction of Chairman & Managing Director Gee Woong Sung) participated at the REI 2016 Expo by jointly sharing the exhibit space with Ganges Internationale (a client and India’s main solar structure manufacturer), intending to popularize PosMAC steel in the solar panel market in India. At present, Ganges International is procuring PosMAC steel from POSCO, making solar structures and supplying it to end users. During the expo, POSCO-India intensively promoted the application of PosMAC in the solar industry through targeting major IPP and EPC companies such as Adani, NEXTracker, Acme, etc.

Gee Woong Sung, Chairman & Managing Director of POSCO-India, during the 2016 REI expo.

The demand for highly durable PosMAC is on the rise and POSCO-India aims to make it a widely used product in the solar power industry by strengthening the sales of POSCO’s solutions marketing and World Premium (WP) products in India. The exhibition gave a great platform for POSCO to interact with visitors from varied industries and from different countries across the globe. It was a remarkable opportunity to promote PosMAC as well as to identify the customer needs. The visitors and potential clients showed keen interest for the product, made queries on product specifications and seemed quite impressed with the benefits offered by PosMAC.

POSCO-India officials interact with visitors during the 2016 REI expo.

Owing to the business interactions that took place during the expo, the PosMAC sales volume is expected to increase. POSCO-India aims to grab this opportunity and accelerate the PosMAC sales by strengthening solution marketing and taking advantage of the growing solar energy market in India.

Solar Energy Development is the Key to the Future of Energy

PosMAC Seminar Promotes POSCO’s World Premium Products in India

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Still, in the small town of Nuanquan in Heibi Province, China, just west of Beijing, a small group of farmers are keeping one of the world’s most unique fireworks displays alive.

Resource: China’s Blacksmiths Put On Dazzling Display for New Year

About 500 years ago, there were many blacksmith shops in the farming town of Nuanquan. Unable to afford expensive fireworks during the Chinese New Year holiday, lower income residents such as blacksmiths and farmers sought an alternative. Inspired by the beautiful sparks emitted during their iron working, a group of brave blacksmiths began splashing molten metal on the city walls, which resulted in the creation of beautiful flower shapes from the cooling iron.

Photo Credit: Robert Berkowitz Creative Commons

As time went on, locals began to prefer the stunning, steel-catalyzed display to fireworks, and donated their scrap metal to the blacksmiths to use during the annual performance. Eventually, a more developed system evolved and eventually became known as dashuhua, which roughly translates as “throwing tree fireworks.”

To create the display, men first soak wooden ladles in water for three days prior to the show to prevent them from combusting on impact. After dipping the ladles into the molten iron (which is made from smashed up pieces of pig iron), flames instantly shoot up. As such, the men work quickly to splash the molten iron onto the city wall to avoid injury.

As the metal strikes the cold, hard wall, it explodes into a shower of sparks, mostly over the performers. Due to the danger posed by the falling molten iron, only the bravest individuals performed in the show, wearing only a jacket made of sheepskin—a material that naturally repels the molten iron—and a straw hat to protect against the splash of hot metal.

Photo Credit: Robert Berkowitz Creative Commons

Despite being banned during the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976, the tradition has since carried on through the ages. Refusing modern protective clothing to more closely maintain the tradition, today’s performers are prideful of their region’s rich cultural heritage and are eager to pass on the custom to their children. They are also pleased that the event continues to attract spectators from all over China, who gather in freezing temperatures to witness the incredible scene of a night sky illuminated by the sparks of molten iron.

However, as urbanization surges in the world’s most populated nation, the tradition is on the decline, with only four performers left. As such, the Chinese government has designated dashuhua as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and has helped organizers build a dedicated stage for their performances, with an aim to preserve the country’s past as well as Nuanquan’s steel-centric custom.

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World Steel Association

Formed in 1967, (then the International Iron and Steel Institute), the non-profit organization promotes steel to the industry, customers, media and the general public. Benefits of being a member of worldsteel include access to the latest technical and economic data, industry trends and performance impacting the steel industry. Members cooperate in developing programs and initiatives to drive the global common marketplace. Networking and access to events and conferences are also enjoyed by members. Worldsteel is not involved in competition of the steel industry, but rather unifying the industry on a global scale.

Steel Production by the Numbers

Worldsteel’s Steel Statistical Yearbook findings for 2015 show that Asia produces over 68 percent of the entire world’s crude steel. According to the Steel Statistical Yearbook, the four countries that produce the most crude steel are China, Japan, India and South Korea. Russia rounds out the top five. While many countries like the U.S. have decreased its crude steel production, South Korea has increased almost every year (the most recent yearbook shows data since 2005). Asia produces over 1 million tons of crude steel, and the second largest steel producing region is Europe, which produces just under 300 tons.

South  Korea produced over 71,000 tons of crude steel, 868 tons of ingots and 70,405 tons of continuously cast steel. The majority of the steel produced in South Korea uses electric furnaces or oxygen-blown converters. South Korea does not employ open hearth furnaces for steel production. In 2014, worldsteel reports that South Korea produced almost 69,000 tons of hot rolled products.

Though the largest of crude steel producing companies are located in Asia, and Asia is the largest exporter of semi-finished and finished steel products, Europe uses the most crude steel by kg per capita. Asia is by far the largest producer and exporter of pig iron, the intermediate product of smelting iron ore.

When iron is smelted from ore, it contains more carbon than desired. To form steel, the carbon must be reduced to the proper amount, at which point other elements can be added to reinforce it. In the past, steel was cast into ingots which would be stored until use in further refinement processes that resulted in the finished product. In modern processes of production, the initial product is closer to the final product through continuously cast it into long slabs, then cut and shaped to produce the final product. Continuous casting is more cost-efficient and is used in mass production and increasing the standard of quality.

POSCO Steel Production

One of five major steel companies located in Korea, POSCO is recognized as one of the world’s largest corporations by Fortune Global 500. On September 21, 2015 POSCO celebrated cumulative sales of 800 million tons since the opening of Pohang Plate Mill in 1972. Ninety-eight percent of the crude steel produced by POSCO is made through continuous casting, which replaced the process of using ingots.

For the full report, please visit worldsteel.

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Steel is everywhere; it’s used in constructing office buildings, bridges and rail systems. On a smaller scale, it’s in the cars we drive, in the sporting equipment we use and even in the jewelry and accessories we wear. Steel is so common, it can be easy to overlook how essential it has become.

Why Steel?

There are many benefits to using steel for both building structures and for smaller items. One of its greatest advantages is cost. It is much cheaper to ship during production because it is fairly light. Compared to its weight, steel is very strong and durable. Steel is often used to reinforce other materials for this reason. Steel that is being fabricated today, is made almost entirely of recycled metals. Steel is also very sustainable and has minimal effects on the environment at the time of use, as well as throughout its life cycle. Steel is fire and corrosion-resistant.

Steel in World Culture

There are many ways steel is applied across cultures. Worldwide, steel is commonly used in transportation, surgical equipment, office supplies and furniture, household appliances, hardware tools and cutlery. The way steel is used to make tools can have a large impact on cultural lifestyles.

This month, we’ll discover some of the unique regional applications of steel in different regions around the world.

Coming Up

We’ve taken a close look into the history of steel and the monumental steel structures that have shaped the world. We’ve seen how modern cities industrialized and flourished under the influence of steel. This month, we will explore just a few of the ways steel has influenced local cultures and how it is incorporated in different ways in daily life around the world.

From Wood to Steel: The Evolution of Chopsticks in Asia: The history and styles of chopsticks in regional cultures and the evolution of the materials used to make them

India’s Incredible Lunch Delivery System Powered by Ingenuity and Steel: In Mumbai, 250,000 stainless steel lunch boxes are used in what is known as the “dabbawalla system” to deliver hot, home-cooked meals to workers around the city every day

Steelpans, the Sound of the Caribbean: The history of the steelpan, or steel drum, popularized in the 1930s by percussion ensembles of rebellious teens from Trinidad’s lower-class neighborhoods, and the role it played in the development of music in the Caribbean

Steel Stats: 2015 by the Numbers: An inside look at World Steel Association’s 2015 Steel Statistics Yearbook and how POSCO fits into the world of steel by the numbers

A Year in Review: POSCO Highlights of 2015: Highlights of POSCO’s top achievements and most memorable moments of 2015

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Steel and Skyscrapers: A Brief History

The history of skyscrapers dates back to the second half of the 19th century when steel became a cornerstone of the world’s industrial economy. Steel framing and steel reinforced concrete made “curtain-wall” architecture possible, which led to the world’s first skyscrapers. Steel further evolved the capabilities of skyscrapers, allowing them to reach new heights. From the humble beginnings of the first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, built in Chicago in 1895 and standing 42m, skyscrapers now reach extraordinary heights.

Here are the four tallest skyscrapers in four of the regions of the world today. 

Burj Khalifa, Dubai, Middle East

Rising to 829.8m over the gulf city of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Designed by Skidmore Owings and Merill (SOM), the Burj Khalifa used a bundled tube design and a composite of steel and concrete to reach its record height. The Burj Khalifa employed a bundled tube system which is a system of construction that uses an interconnected frame of steel tubes. Thirty-nine thousand tons of steel rebar was needed for the construction. The Burj Khalifa houses a mix of residential, corporate and retail space.

Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, Asia

Standing 632m, the 128-story Shanghai Tower is located in Shanghai’s financial district of Lujiazui, Pudong in China. Though currently still under construction, following its topping out in 2013, the Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the second-tallest building in the world, surpassed only by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The Shanghai Tower is the tallest of a group of three adjacent supertall buildings in Pudong and is composed of three important design strategies, the asymmetry of the tower’s shape, its tapering profile and its rounded corners, all of which will allow it to withstand typhoon wind forces common in Shanghai. 

One World Trade Center, New York, North America

Designed by the same firm that designed the Burj Khalifa, the 104-story One World Trade Center reaches a height of 417m. Including the spire, its total height is 541m (1,776 ft.), a tribute to 1776, the year the U.S. won its independence. Surpassing the Willis Tower (formerly Sear’s Tower) in Chicago, the One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the U.S. The tower’s structure is designed around a strong, but lightweight, steel frame made of beams and columns. The lighter structures enabled savings in greenhouse gases and a 30 percent decrease in carbon emissions during construction. There are 70 elevators and nine escalators in the One World Trade Center. (Image: http://bit.ly/1DsqmBK)

The Shard, London, European Union

The Shard is a 72-story glass pyramid tower, rising above the city of London. It was completed in 2012, and stands 245m. The design uses an intelligent combination of steel and concrete. Steel structures were used from the ground floor to the 40th floor. From there to the 69th floor, concrete replaces the framing material, before the design reverts back to steel. Construction required 12,000 tons of steel.

As the world continues to grow and urbanize the ability to adapt building structures and materials will continue to evolve. Steel will continue to be essential in helping the world’s buildings reach new heights.

The infographic below shows how each of these four gravity-defying structures compare. See how each stack up in height and the amount of steel necessary to make each possible. (Image: http://bit.ly/1eUAFTc)

Since the publication of Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in 1869 up until the dawn of today’s sci-fi thrillers such as Stargate Atlantis, the concept of underwater exploration and civilization has captured the imagination of the public. Now, facing problems like overpopulation, rising sea levels and increasing natural disasters, humanity is seeking alternative living environments, and with ever-progressing technology, life under the sea no longer seems all that unrealistic.

In fact, some small underwater habitats already exist, and we have the technology to create and maintain larger ones that could easily support human sustenance. Might it be possible that one day there will be an entire network of undersea cities, brimming with futuristic technology and advanced ways of living? And if it is, how would these sub-aquatic societies be connected? 

Undersea Tunnels, a Brief History

Undersea tunnels, the most likely method of transportation in a world submerged by water, are not a new concept. In fact, the earliest example of such engineering endeavors dates back to around 2100 BCE, when the Babylonians used a tunnel to divert the Euphrates River. It wasn’t until the 19^th century that the world saw a succession of more challenging tunnel projects, made possible by vast improvements in surveying and ventilation techniques.

The first notion of the Channel Tunnel, which connects England and France, was proposed to Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 by a French engineer named Mathieu-Favier, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that it became a reality. Instead, London’s Thames Tunnel became the first modern undersea tunnel in 1843, taking almost 20 years to complete. The tunnel was originally designed for, but never used by, horse-drawn carriages.

Noting the comparable advantages undersea tunnels have over bridges, such as their ability to divert traffic and not be affected by external factors such as wind or rain, city planners began incorporating them into city layouts in the late 1800s. But, at the time, the methods used to construct these tunnels consisted mainly of excavating in painstakingly small increments, and were incredibly time consuming.

The game changed in 1903 with a construction project beneath the Detroit River in America when engineers used a method that involved anchoring premade sections of steel tube into a pre-dug trench on the river floor. Then, in 1971, a new era of underwater tunneling began with the construction of the Seikan Railroad Tunnel, which currently stretches 53.85 kilometers beneath the Tsugaru Strait in Japan. Instead of using the antiquated tunneling techniques of the past, tunnel builders began to utilize giant tunnel boring machines to make the process go faster. Since then, tunneling projects that could once only be conceptualized have become a reality.

The Eurasia Tunnel Project, for example, is a 14.6 kilometer-long road tunnel that will link Europe and Asia via the Bosporus Strait, and is currently in the last stages of construction. It is a project that has long been discussed and aims to reduce traffic in Istanbul, the second-worst European city in terms of traffic congestion.

Tunneling to the Future

Of course transportation tunnels like these would be vital in aquatic lands, but a sustainable undersea city would also need gas, oil, electricity and, most importantly, oxygen. Yet, some of these types of undersea tunnels exist, and are constantly being positioned across the waters of the world.

In the most recent tunnel developments, POSCO, in coordination with GS Caltex and Jeonnam Development Coorporation, has made plans to construct a 3.98 kilometer-long undersea tunnel connecting Gwangyang Port and Yeosu Industrial Complex by the first half of 2019.

POSCO Green Gas Technology will use the undersea pipe network to supply syngas produced at the Gwangyang SNG Plant to GS Caltex, which will then use the syngas for petroleum refining and enhancing processes. Furthermore, the undersea tunnel will minimize risks associated with transport and establish an efficient undersea logistics infrastructure by reducing production and logistical costs.

POSCO’s gas pipeline tunnel is indicative of what is to come. Perhaps the undersea tunnels of the future will allow for the transportation of fresh drinking water, alternative energy resources or even food sources from faraway lands. But with real-life projects concerning tunnels between Morocco and Spain, Japan and South Korea and the mainland of Canada and Prince Edward Island on the table, it is clear that such possibilities are not only realistic, but also limitless.

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Both individuals and corporations must become more environmentally responsible, being mindful of the levels of waste water, trash and emissions produced both at home and in the office. Considering these factors in the architectural designs of the future, we can ensure a healthy and sustainable planet. Yet, a number of buildings are a step ahead and have already incorporated sustainability into their own designs, setting the precedent for future architectural endeavors. On this World Environment Day, let’s take a look at a few of them.

Northeast Asia Trade Tower (NEATT)

Standing 68 stories tall, the Northeast Asia Trade Tower in Songdo International Business District, Incheon, is the tallest structure in South Korea. It is also the crown jewel of POSCO’s leading innovative technology, utilizing revolutionary features such as a 3D exterior design, a seismic force resisting system and high level security and anti-disaster measures.

Yet, NEATT, which is a mix of office spaces, a luxury hotel, serviced residences and retail stores, also serves as a model of sustainable design strategies, carefully balancing energy conservation, increased indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort. Its range of passive design strategies, which include daylighting, natural ventilation and energy efficient HVAC systems, as well as its eco-friendly, non-toxic construction materials, have ensured that the skyscraper is not only friendly to the environment, but to its human inhabitants, too.

Monte Rosa Hut

Perched above the skiing mecca of Zermatt, Switzerland, the Monte Rosa Hut is a lodging space used by hikers in route to the summit of the same name on icy glacier treks. The five-story crystal-shaped building was constructed on stainless-steel foundations with a wooden spiral interior covered by a silver aluminum shell. During its construction, materials and workers were transported by train to Zermatt, requiring 3,000 helicopter trips.

The hut uses solar power for about 90 percent of its energy and heat requirements. Excess energy is stored in valve-regulated lead-acid accumulators, which ensure power in all kinds of weather. Large windows allow the sun to heat air inside the building, and melting glaciers in the area provide the lodge’s water supply, which is collected and stored in a nearby reservoir. (Image from http://bit.ly/1AJVsUa)

Meera Sky Garden

Perhaps no other building on this list is as one with nature as the Meera Sky Garden in Sentosa, Singapore. This eye-catching, eco-friendly home was designed by Guz Architects, and it overlooks the island’s harbor.

Divided into four distinctive floors, each of which is covered with a grass roof, the home appears as if it is four separate houses, yet is still seamlessly connected by a natural element. Not only are these garden-like spaces visually pleasing, but the grassy roofs help to keep the interior temperatures at a minimum, saving energy. (Image from http://bit.ly/1ddeBTx)

Pixel

While Pixel’s chaotic, colorful exterior is the first thing one might notice about the small office building in Melbourne, Australia, its sustainable design is what really makes it noteworthy. Some of its design innovations include a panel shade system that allows natural light into the office, while at the same time, reducing glare and heat. More impressively, Pixel utilizes wind turbines to generate its own electricity.

As Australia’s first carbon neutral office building, Pixel was also the first building to ever be granted a perfect score on the country’s Green Star sustainability rating system. (Image from http://bit.ly/1JoxIpS)

Bank of America

When the Bank of America building was erected in Manhattan, New York in 2009, it set the standard for all environmentally responsible buildings to come. Its base-to-roof insulating glass external structure enhances heat insulation while creating a large source of natural light, while the building’s extensive solar panels produce energy for the building.

And the Bank of America knows how to save water. Its greywater system collects and recycles waste from sinks and water fountains into the refrigeration system, while its catchment systems collect and save around 45 inches of rain that fall on the site each year. Such sustainable features landed the skyscraper the LEED Platinum Award, the highest level of the internationally recognized green building rating system.

The Change Initiative

In a city that is seemingly ever under construction, The Change Initiative (TCI), an eco-lifestyle shop that stocks everything from environmentally-conscious detergent to greywater recycling tools, sets itself apart from other buildings in Dubai.

Often noted as one of the most sustainable commercial buildings in the world, the majority of the materials used to create TCI are recyclable. The roof is coated with heat-reflective paint and is embellished with solar panels that generate about 40 percent of the building’s energy, while the building’s outer structure has three times the insulation of the average building. (Image from Gundeep Singh) 

For more information about current worldwide green initiatives and for ways that you can “consume with care,” check out the World Environment Day website.

POSCO endeavors to connect people and establish free communication between people and society through art. As part of such efforts, POSCO introduces a wide variety of exhibitions at the POSCO Art Museum. If you have any plans to visit Korea in the near future, or thinking about staying for a while, then you should definitely visit the Vertigo exhibition currently running at the POSCO Art Museum. It’s an opportunity too good to miss!

Australian Contemporary Art at a Glance

The Vertigo exhibition is a chance to take a comprehensive look into Australian contemporary art. Curated by Claire Anna Watson, Vertigo features work by ten contemporary Australian artists; Boe-lin Bastian, Cate Consandine, Simon Finn, Justine Khamara, Bonnie Lane, Kristin McIver, Kiron Robinson, Kate Shaw, Tania Smith and Alice Wormald. Presenting drawing, video, collage and sculptural works, the artists embrace diverse strategies in their attempt to make sense of the world around them, with dizzying results.

Vertigo, presented by Asialink Arts (funded by the Australian government), is part of an Exhibition Touring Program. The exhibition has already been greeted with enthusiasm in other venues in Asia including Indoneisa and Taiwan.

Following the touring exhibition’s success in Indonesia and Taiwan, the exhibition at POSCO opened on 24 July.

<During the exhibition, 10 young Australian contemporary artists will present a wide array of art, including neon signs, paintings, collages, drawings, videos and sculptures>

Director of Asialink Arts Lesley Alway says, “Reflecting on an accelerating world and its associated anxieties, Vertigo features a search for balance and a re-evaluation about priorities and possibilities for the future. At a time where we are connecting globally and searching for connections, dialogue about the way we live and envision the future has never been more important.”

△ Cate Consandine – Lash (2006)

Vertigo: The Exhibition
What does vertigo mean? If you look up the dictionary, it says, “a sensation of whirling and loss of balance; giddiness.” There is hardly another word that better reflects the identities of the 10 young, strikingly unique artists who participated in this exhibition. The artists, through their art, attempt to take the audience off guard and introduce a taste of chaos by making them experience the instability when one is faced with the unknown and the impossible. However, if you look at the artworks more carefully, you will realize that it is possible to overcome the fear and nervousness, and make sense out of the apparent confusion and chaos: Such an experience ultimately leads to the inner growth of the viewer.

“So what happens tomorrow?” Asks Claire Anna Watson, curator of Vertigo. “Lacking prescience, this is of course an unanswerable question that strikes at the heart of this exhibition. The bold offerings of the artists in Vertigo articulate the psychological repercussions and sense of dislocation that arises when considering the uncertainty of our world and its future.”

Do these works embody gravitas and signify a demise of hope? “They invite us to contemplate the volatility of humanity,” She answers.

[box] Vertigo @ POSCO Art Museum Exhibition Information

– Name of Exhibition : Vertigo – Chaos and dislocation in contemporary Australian art
– Exhibition Dates : 2014/7/24~2014/8/27
– Opening Hours : Mon-Fri: 10:00-19:00, Sat: 11:00-16:00 (Closed for Sundays and Holidays)
– Venue : POSCO Art Museum (B1 POSCO Center, 892 Daechi 4 Dong, Gangnamgu, Seoul, Korea)
– Fee : Free of Charge
– Artists : 10 Australian Contemporary Artists Boe-lin Bastian, Cate Consandine, Simon Finn, Justine Khamara, Bonnie Lane, Kristin McIver, Kiron Robinson, Kate Shaw, Tania Smith, & Alice Wormald
– Number of Artworks : 32 Works

For more information, please visit the POSCO Art Museum Homepage [/box]

Notable Artworks at Vertigo

The 10 artists participating in this exhibition are relatively young: most were born between 1970 and 1980. Nevertheless, these young, powerful artists are not only at the forefront of Australia’s contemporary art scene, but also making themselves known globally as well. From paintings and videos to sculptural works, the exhibition has a lot to offer in terms of both variety and intensity. Let us take a look at a few of the notable artworks available at the exhibition. 

#1 Justine Khamara – ‘Rotational Affinity’ (2013)

“In the past, I have sought to disrupt photography’s smooth, two-dimensional surfaces by building sculptures and collages entirely out of photographic parts. These works evoke biological processes of replication while also engaging with notions of self-representation in an era of instant, endlessly generative image production technologies. There is an undeniably psychological aspect to these works that is amplified by the fact that many of the sitters who appear in the photos are my close family members.” – Justine Khamara, on the ways he uses technological developments as an artistic medium.

#2 BONNIE LANE ‘MAKE Believe’ (2012) 

“By exploring emotional responses to the world in which we live, my predominantly video based practice focuses on universal human experiences from an often-existential perspective. My video pieces utilize the atmosphere and history of existing architectural spaces to create immersive environments to be stepped into. My artworks are often wholly or partly autobiographical, an amalgamation of experiences and memories, dreams and nightmares, fears and fantasies.” –Bonnie Lane, explaining her art philosophy.

#3 KIRON ROBINSON ‘I’m Scared World’ (2006)

“I use a range of mediums including neon, video, photography and installation to investigate the idea of doubt, faith and failure as constructive devices. My work continually chases ways of articulating, that which by its own definition is beyond articulation. [This work] explores the condition of experiencing and facing the idea of beyond from a position grounded in a contingent world.” – Kiron Robinson on how he tries to makes sense of the world through his art.

[box] Interview of Contemporary Artist Simon Finn

[Introduction] Born in 1976 at Melbourne, Australia, Simon Finn expresses the unmoving and the moving through drawings, sculpture and simulation technology. He is currently teaching classes on animation and game design at the SAE Institute of the Design Institute of Australia. He is also an award-winning artist who holds various exhibitions.

Q. What was the most impressing thing about Korea?
A. Korea is very beautiful, and there are lots to see. The most impressing thing about Korea was its food. Australian food is a bit bland; Korean food was powerful and unique. It was a very interesting experience.

Q. Could you please explain your art philosophy, and your thoughts on Korean Contemporary Art?
A. I am interested in new culture, human society, the environment, and technology. I think my interests blend in naturally into my work. I’ve had a chance to experience Korean contemporary art, and was very surprised to see there were a lot of interesting and unique ideas. Though my stay was short, it was a meaningful time getting to know about Korean culture and art. I’m going to spread the word about Korean culture and art when I go back to my home country.[/box]

The artists who participated in Vertigo are expressing their art philosophies in various ways. They are not satisfied with absolute beauty; rather, they try to communicate with the audience by showing them how they see today’s world with their own eyes. Can you feel the dissonance between dream and reality, the present and the future, and the feeling of uncertainty that arises?

POSCO Art Museum will continue to provide interesting and unique art experiences that leave the viewer thinking. Please look forward to more exhibitions in the future, and don’t forget to pay a visit when you have the chance!

POSCO TJ Park Foundation

Named after POSCO founder Tae-Joon Park, the POSCO TJ Park Foundation (Website Link) was established in 2005 as a non-profit organization to make extensive and systematic social contributions. The Foundation runs four core programs: POSCO TJ Park Prize to award outstanding persons in the fields of science, education, and community development & philanthropy; regional contribution programs to participate in the local community and to nurture talents who will contribute to society; POSCO Asia Fellowship for mutual understanding and communication between Asian countries; and TJ Park Science Fellowship to support young and talented basic scientists in Korea. Through these core programs, the Foundation strives to carry out the social responsibilities of POSCO and contribute to its sustainable management.

Let’s have a closer look into the core programs managed by POSCO TJ Park Foundation:

The Core Programs of the POSCO TJ Park Foundation

#1. TJ Park Science Fellowship: Awarding Outstanding Achievements in Science

The TJ Park Science Fellowship selects and supports talented scientists who study and research in a university or institution in Korea, not abroad, to allow them to grow into scientists of global standard. This Fellowship is designed to help young scientists, including graduates of doctoral studies, post-doctoral researchers, and young assistant professors in the fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and Biological sciences so that they can focus on their research in Korea with stability and a sense of pride.

#2. Regional Contribution Programs: Nurturing Future Talents

POSCO Rising Star Scholarship

This Scholarship is awarded to high school students in Pohang and Gwangyang where POSCO is located. The purpose of the Scholarship is to practice the corporate philosophy of POSCO to participate in the local community and to nurture talents who will contribute to society.

POSCO Vision Scholarship

This Scholarship is awarded to young students in poor circumstances in Pohang and Gwangyang, where POSCO is located, with the aim to help them focus on their studies with the right attitude and thereby grow into outstanding members of society.

#3. POSCO TJ Park Prize: Honoring Philanthropic Social Contributions

The POSCO TJ Park Prize was established to honor the achievements of POSCO’s Honorary Chairman, Tae-Joon Park, and to promote the company’s efforts to respect creativity, nurture talent, and practice philanthropy – the driving forces behind the company’s success – with the hope that this will encourage the public to make even greater contributions to social progress in the future. The Prize is given in three fields: science, education, and community development & philanthropy to individuals and/or organizations that are selected through a fair, transparent, and strict selection process. The prize presentation ceremony is held every year, where a medal and prize money of KRW 200 million (approximately USD 170,000) is awarded to each laureate. Through the POSCO TJ Park Prize, the Foundation hopes to arouse the drive for research and the pride of the nation’s science & technology sector, contribute to grounding an exemplary image of an educator, and awaken a sense of value in fulfilling the spirit of community development & philanthropy.

#4. POSCO Asia Fellowship: Encouraging Collaboration and Exchange in Asia

One of the key enterprises of the Foundation, the POSCO Asia Fellowship provides scholarships, facilitates academic research, and publishes literary works with the aim to enhance mutual understanding and collaborative exchanges between Asian countries. The objectives are nurturing prospective young talents and encouraging exchanges and collaboration between intellectuals in Asia. Through such efforts, the Foundation aims to contribute to the mutual prosperity of Asian countries as well as the building of a network of talents.

[box] Programs and Scholarships Available within POSCO Asia Fellowship

Scholarship for Asian Students Studying in Korea

This Scholarship supports the prospective leaders of Asia by providing full tuition and living expenses to young talents from Asian countries as they enroll in master’s or doctoral programs at some of the most prestigious Korean universities or institutions and experience the Korean society and culture.

Asia Regional Expert Nurturing Program

This Program is designed to nurture Korean experts of the Asian region by supporting their education abroad so that they can acquire a sound understanding of the language, history, and culture of various Asian countries and establish a solid foundation for further studies and research endeavors. The Program will enable Korean experts to lead the regional studies on Asia and ultimately contribute to the development of the Asian region.

Scholarship for Prestigious Asian Universities

The Foundation is building cooperative relations with prestigious universities in Asia and awarding scholarships to the excellent Asian students at those universities in order to boost their academic achievements.

Asia Research Grant Program & POSCO Asia Conference

This Program aims to support the intellectuals of Asian countries, including scholars, professors, and researchers, as they conduct in-depth research on the cultural and social fields regarding Asia. The POSCO Asia Conference is an international convention where Asian scholars share the results of their research conducted for 1~2 years with the support of the Foundation and establish academic networks.

Publication of the Literary Journal ASIA

The quarterly literary journal ASIA is published to help Asian writers and artists pursue their creative activities and to improve exchanges and networks between countries in Asia through the literary endeavors of intellectuals and literary persons.

◈ To learn more about the eligibility and scope of support for each scholarship/program, click here[/box]

The POSCO TJ Park Foundation is dedicated to further expanding Asia’s academic and cultural networks, nurturing young leaders who will open up a brighter future for the region, and sharing with its neighbors in need. By standing tall as a foundation that establishes POSCO as a respected and loved company by the people and that serves the nation, we will be at the forefront of the efforts to make the world a more abundant and warmer place.