Overview
It is nothing uncommon to see sculptures on display in varied cities across the globe.
When we think of America, the Statue of Liberty will naturally come into mind. It goes beyond New York and stands as a symbol of America. Sculptures are thus not mere landmarks, they serve to exhibit the local culture, history, sense of beauty, development and progress. While stone sculptures are quite traditional and classical, those sculptures constructed with distinct materials, such as stainless steel will immediately catch our eyesight. Inconceivable as it may sound, there are stainless steel sculptures scattered across a dozen different countries. Let's explore and discover.
The Kelpies in Falkirk, Scotland
Standing 100 feet high, The Kelpies are the largest equine sculptures all over the world and constitute an iconic landmark in The Helix. The sculptures are a pair of monumental stainless steel horseheads situated between the Scottish towns of Falkirk and Grangemouth in central Scotland. Designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, the statues were completed in October 2013 and followed by an unveiling ceremony in April 2014.
The Kelpies were inspired by Clydesdale horses harnessed extensively for heavy farming and industrial work in the 18th and 19th centuries. Meanwhile, they also represent water kelpies which are prevalent in Scottish mythology. Andy Scott views the horse as the symbol of the city which can reflect its historical background. The idea is also reflected in his other artworks.
Each of the sculptures is constructed with 900 pieces of 316L (S31603) stainless steel plates 6mm thickness in dull finish, supplied and laser cut by Otokumpu. The giant gleaming heads weighs more than 300 tons each. Type 316L stainless steel was selected as the material for the structural and corrosion-resistance demands, while also looking aesthetically appealing with a dull finish. Dull finish is favored to avoid distractions of drivers from the material glares.
With the light show, the sculptures can exhibit dramatic changes when they're illuminated in the night. Initially designed from simple art perspective, The Kelpies turns out an outstanding work of public art and the centerpiece of a recreational complex through a combination of traditional fabrication techniques and structural engineering.
Giant Chrome Gnome 'Frankie' in Melbourne, Australia
Frankie is an artwork called Reflective Lullaby by Gregor Kregar. The local people also give 'Frankie' affectionate names such as 'Ian Fitzgibbon' and 'Chrome Gnome' to express their love for "their friend". This statue was created as part of the McClelland Commission, a public/private initiative established in 2013 between Peninsula Link company Southern Way and the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery.
The statue stands nine meters high, established more than a mere decoration of the public park. It was not created for memories of a hero of a specific event, but for representation of a humorous philosopher in daily life. The name 'gnome' derives from the root of a Greek word 'gnosis' which stands for knowledge. The Gnome looks far into the distance, thoughtful and retrospective. Artists views the workpiece as a dramatic heroism decoration of the surroundings.
This sculpture is wholly stainless steel made, from head to toe. Specifically, it is constructed of highly polished 316 stainless steel materials, including 316 stainless steel pipes and 316 stainless steel sheets (2.5~3.0 thickness). 316 stainless steel grade is selected because it can resist corrosion from harsh marine environments. 316 is used extensively in coastal cities and costal countries.
9/11 Memorial Beam Held By Dove Hands in Rosemead, CA, USA
9/11 Memorial Beam Held By Dove Hands (also named "Reflect") was a sculpture created to honor the fallen of the 9/11 attacks committed in 2011 by terrorists. It was dedicated by local artist Heath Satow and funded by myriad donors from around the region.
The sculpture came into shape that incorporates a 10-ft. long steel beam from the scene of the World Trade Center. It portrays two hands fashioned from thousands of dove-like cutouts, each bird representing a victim. Specifically, it was constructed by 2,976 stainless steel dove cutouts, representing 9/11 victims. Considering the location of this sculpture, the designer chose 316 stainless steel materials to resist corrosion from its coastal environments.
