Folk Artist Bob Dylan’s Welding Work Pays Homage to America’s Industrial Core When MGM National Harbor opens later this year in Prince George’s County, Md., guests will enter the $1.3 billion resort casino through Portal, a sculpted iron archway designed by legendary folk artist Bob Dylan. The 26- by 15-ft custom piece, which will adorn the west entrance as part of the property’s permanent art collection, is Dylan’s first permanent artwork for a public space. Commissioned by MGM National Harbor to envision an open entrance, he hand-selected unique objects and will weld a composition into an archway. “Mr. Dylan is undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians of our time, but his incredible metalwork sculptures are a testament to his creative genius and ability to transcend mediums,” said Jim Murren, chairman/CEO of MGM Resorts International. For the past 30 years, he has sculpted iron pieces for family and friends, but it wasn’t until 2013 at London’s Halcyon Gallery that his metal artwork was first viewed publicly. His works feature found objects, vintage scrap metal, and industrial artifacts from junkyards. In addition, Dylan’s welding work includes gates and pays homage to America’s industrial core along with his personal history. Each artwork contains a small metal buffalo, signed Black Buffalo Iron Works, followed by his signature. New Acura NSX Contains Gas Metal Arc Welded Aluminum Space Frame Construction The 2017 Acura NSX car features a multimaterial space frame and body panels utilizing new materials and construction methods. Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is used for the majority of the aluminum space frame construction. The car’s space frame has more than 860 weld points where more than 112 ft of GMAW wire is applied. Most welding is done by fully automated robotic arms. All welds and body components undergo inspection by welding technicians. The underbody sections of the space frame are fabricated in a series of four stations. Sequencing the welding processes reduces the potential for parts deformation from heat buildup. Weld quality and dimensional part NEWS OF THE INDUSTRY Bob Dylan, photographed in his studio, has sculpted iron pieces for the past 30 years. MGM National Harbor recently commissioned him to envision an open entrance; this has turned into an archway with handselected unique objects. 14 WELDING JOURNAL / NOVEMBER 2016 The space frame construction for the NSX contains rigid aluminum extrusions, aluminum, highstrength steel stampings, and ablation cast aluminum frame nodes. Portal reflects America’s industrial past. Guests will walk through this architectural artwork upon entering the new resort. Displayed here is an upclose view of the custom piece. — continued on page 16
Welding Journal | November 2016
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